OUTCOMES OF THE GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM 2019 - UNHCR
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OUTCOMES OF THE GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM 2019
Contents
Foreword 3 Initiatives launched
for the Forum 32
Executive Summary 6
Support Platforms 32
Setting the stage 10 IGAD SUPPORT PLATFORM 33
A “whole-of-society” effort 12 MIRPS SUPPORT PLATFORM 34
SSAR SUPPORT PLATFORM 35
Outcomes 18
Indicators framework for the GCR 36
Global overview 20 Three-Year Strategy on
Resettlement and
Regional summaries 28 Complementary Pathways 38
Asylum Capacity
Support Group (ACSG) 39
Global Academic
Interdisciplinary Network (GAIN) 40
Clean Energy Challenge 41
Digital platform
for the GCR 42
THE PLEDGES AND
CONTRIBUTIONS DASHBOARD
ON THE DIGITAL PLATFORM 43
GOOD PRACTICES IN
THE APPLICATION OF THE GCR 44
Where do we go from here? 46
COVER PHOTOGRAPH:
Ethiopia. Sabriina thinks solar is the future
“I think solar power is the future because no light is no life. I remember in
Somalia we didn’t have street lights like the ones here,” she said pointing to the
solar street lights donated by the IKEA Foundation. © UNHCR/Diana Diaz
2 GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENT
Foreword
Foreword
The release of the Global Refugee Forum Two years on, this model is even more
(GRF) Outcome Document comes at a time valuable and relevant. Despite the COVID-19
when international cooperation and solidarity crisis, people around the world continue to
are being put to the test in unprecedented flee their homes due to conflict and
ways. The COVID-19 pandemic is a global persecution. Tens of millions of people living
challenge that knows no borders and has in protracted refugee situations, along with
far-reaching consequences for all of us. At the impoverished host communities, are entering
national level, measures to prevent a sharp descent into poverty and destitution
transmission, respond to the health crisis and as COVID-19 takes its toll on the most
address its broader socio-economic impact vulnerable.
must encompass everyone in the community,
including the marginalized and most The Global Refugee Forum led to an historic
vulnerable, in order to succeed. At the global set of commitments and pledges that have
level, the virus and its consequences will only the potential to positively impact the lives of
be contained if weaker economies and health tens of millions of refugees and their host
systems are reinforced through international communities – building self-reliance,
support. promoting socio-economic inclusion and
paving the way to solutions. It demonstrated
These principles of solidarity and inclusion are the transformative potential of global
at the heart of the Global Compact on solidarity, as key to enabling refugees to
Refugees (GCR). Affirmed by the United thrive and contribute to their countries of
Nations General Assembly in December 2018, asylum, to return home voluntarily when
the Compact was an act of solidarity which conditions are right, or to rebuild their lives in
recognized that we can do much more, better, new countries.
together. It underscored fundamental
principles and standards of refugee The GRF was the largest-ever gathering on
protection, while recognizing that upholding refugee matters, building on months of
them is a shared responsibility that cannot be consultations and bringing together some
left entirely to those who, by accident of 3,000 participants from diverse segments of
geography, find themselves hosting large society, including States, the private sector,
refugee populations. Crucially, it set out a new civil society, faith-based organizations, sports
model of cooperation and practical entities, humanitarian organizations,
arrangements to translate these principles development actors and academia. Moreover,
into action. the participation of refugees in the event
contributed greatly to the discussions and
GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENT 3
Foreword
outcomes. I remain grateful to Switzerland as communities are adequately addressed and
co-host, and to the co-conveners and co- that host countries receive the support they
sponsors, for their strong support and deserve. The nexus between humanitarian,
commitment throughout the preparations and development and, increasingly, peace efforts
during the GRF itself. is becoming practical and tangible, through
the creativity, commitment and leadership of
The GRF generated some 1,400 pledges, development partners and some visionary
across a broad range of areas. Some are governments.
already being operationalized, while others
will take more time – requiring legislative This work is even more critical at a time when
change, the development of new instruments, the COVID-19 crisis is further straining the
or additional resources to support their capacities of low- and middle-income
implementation. It is vital that the practical countries. Many of the GRF commitments are
spirit of solidarity that shaped the GRF and directly relevant to the current crisis and must
gave it substance is not only sustained, but be urgently translated into concrete outcomes.
enhanced. I urge all participants to take their These include measures to strengthen local
pledges forward, as soon as possible, and to capacity to provide health care, water,
support and resource the vital policy sanitation and hygiene services; prevent and
commitments undertaken by host countries. respond to sexual and gender-based violence;
and provide economic safety nets for the
The new comprehensive response model, as most vulnerable among both refugees and
set out in the GCR is already helping millions host communities. Over time, measures which
of refugees find work, go to school, open foster inclusion and build social cohesion and
bank accounts, obtain the health care they economic opportunities for refugees and host
need and, in some cases, find solutions that communities will help support recovery from
allow them to go home or build a future in this global crisis.
new countries. Benefiting host communities
as well, refugee inclusion has become more Looking ahead, the active engagement of
central to local and national service provision governments and other key stakeholders,
and development plans. There are growing working together with UNHCR, to implement
global efforts, in the spirit of burden- and the pledges and report on progress will be
responsibility- sharing, to ensure that the crucial. A collective effort will help ensure that
longer-term development needs of host the positive momentum we have achieved
4 GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENT
Foreword
thus far is sustained and that we translate the Delivering on this promise is a shared
commitments into action. imperative that we cannot afford to set aside.
We have a unique opportunity, building on the Filippo Grandi,
commitments from the Forum, to make a United Nations High Commissioner
positive difference in the lives of refugees and for Refugees
those that generously host them. In the Global
Compact on Refugees, we have a practical
plan rooted in principles and values, and
through the GRF pledges, we have the means
to give it sustenance and meaning.
© UNHCR/Mark Henley
United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland. The High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, together with the Head of
Switzerland’s Humanitarian Aid Unit, Manuel Bessler, concludes the first-ever Global Refugee Forum.
GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENT 5
Executive Summary
Germany. Syrian refugee baker rises to the challenge. “We wanted to bring people together through food,” he says. Master baker Björn
Wiese (wearing cap) teaches Mohamad Hamza Alemam how to bake.
Executive Summary
Guided by the Global Compact on Refugees, the first-ever Global Refugee
Forum took place on 16 (advance session), 17 and 18 December 2019, with
the aim of translating the principle of international responsibility into action.
The event, co-hosted by UNHCR and Switzerland, was co-convened with
Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Germany, Pakistan and Turkey.
6 GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENT
Executive Summary
The GRF endeavoured to reboot the response In the context of the GRF, there was significant
to the displacement of millions who have been progress in the development of more inclusive
uprooted by war and persecution and to national policies in host countries, in particular
support the communities that host them. More towards strengthened protection capacity,
than 3,000 participants attended, ranging refugee inclusion in national systems and
from governments to international increased access to jobs and livelihoods.
organizations, actors from across the These national policies will need to be
humanitarian and development spheres, adequately resourced, and UNHCR is
business leaders, civil society, sports committed to supporting this process. In terms
organizations, faith groups, academia and, of education, advancements were made in
critically, refugees. Over 70 refugees from expanding access to secondary, tertiary and
around the world, representing diverse higher education for refugees in the form of at
© UNHCR/Gordon Welters
groups, participated in the event with the least 140 new pledges and initiatives, which
support of UNHCR and partners. were aimed at building self-reliance and laying
the groundwork for sustainable solutions.
Some 1,400 pledges were made across the
spectrum of arrangements set out in the GCR, In view of the growing incidence of climate-
inclusive of those announced in October 2019 linked displacement and the considerable
at the high-level segment on statelessness environmental impact of large refugee
during the seventieth plenary session of situations on the environment, there were
UNHCR’s Executive Committee. Pledges several strong commitments to support
ranged from financial support to offers of sustainable energy and environmental
places for employment, educational conservation. The Forum also saw the launch
opportunities for refugee children, new of the Clean Energy Challenge, adopted by 30
government refugee policies, long-term States and multi-stakeholders, to ensure
solutions such as resettlement, investments in access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and
clean energy and infrastructure, and enhanced modern energy sources for all refugee
support for host communities and countries. settlements and nearby host communities
by 2030.
The Forum had six main areas of focus:
burden- and responsibility-sharing, education, The GRF saw contributions towards solutions,
jobs and livelihoods, energy and infrastructure, including the launch of the “Three-year
protection, and solutions. Most of the pledges strategy on resettlement and complementary
were made in the areas of protection and pathways”, sustainable voluntary repatriation,
education, and included changes to legal and local integration. The following
and policy environments to promote inclusion, mechanisms for responsibility-sharing set out
strengthen resilience and improve quality in the GCR were also launched at the GRF:
of life. three support platforms focusing on: the
GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENT 7
© UNHCR/Mark Henley
Executive Summary
Leaders and UN officials open the plenary session of the Global Refugee Forum.
“Comprehensive regional protection and important financial commitments that will
solutions framework” for Central America and facilitate greater refugee inclusion and
Mexico (known by its Spanish acronym MIRPS), essential support to host communities. Many
the Nairobi process facilitated by the of these financial commitments need to be
Intergovernmental Authority on Development concretized and matched with the
(IGAD), and the “Solutions strategy for Afghan commitments made by host countries.
refugees” (SSAR); the Asylum Capacity
Support Group; the Global Academic More than 350 examples of good practices
Interdisciplinary Network, and the digital were shared in the lead up to and during the
platform for the GCR. GRF, demonstrating how the GCR is already
making a difference in the lives of refugees
The private sector announced large-scale and host communities. These are featured on
commitments in the form of investments, the digital platform for the GCR.
employment, innovation, advocacy and
philanthropy. States, multilateral development
banks, bilateral development finance
corporations and the private sector also made
8 GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENT
Executive Summary
Actualizing the 1,400 pledges will require a The GRF was an important global milestone in
whole-of-society approach and sustained translating the GCR into action. The
multi-stakeholder engagement across all foundations established at the event provide
thematic areas. UNHCR will work with both a starting point and a baseline, and will
pledging entities, host countries and other support how the international community
stakeholders in these efforts, building upon strengthens its response to forcible
the more than 350 good practices identified. displacement in the coming years.
UNHCR will monitor progress and support
reporting against the broad indicators
framework of the GCR. In 2021, UNHCR will
convene a high-level stocktaking event to
gauge how far we have come and assess
where we need to go by the next forum four
years from now. In the meantime, we will
need to work closely with the many actors
who have been engaged in the GRF to ensure
implementation of the pledges.
GOOD PRACTICE
Interreligious committee for
refugee self-sufficiency in Peru
©ACNUR/Regina De La Portilla
The Interreligious Committee for Refugees
and Migrants (CIREMI) is the result of efforts
from the different faith communities in Peru to
support the most needy and vulnerable,
especially after the arrival of many
Venezuelans to Peru.
Region: Americas Various religious communities in Peru, grouped in
the Interreligious Committee for Refugees and
Theme: Arrangement for burden and Migrants (CIREMI), signed a pact to fight against
responsibility sharing xenophobia and support Venezuelan people in
Peru.
Submitted by: NGOs
GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENT 9
Setting the stage
Setting the stage
Over the last decade, refugee crises have humanitarian efforts. More countries and other
increased in scope, scale and complexity. actors need to join in this effort. Urgent
There are now 25.4 million refugees globally. life-saving humanitarian support must be
Of these, 84 per cent are hosted in low and complemented by development action. This
middle-income countries which face their own will ensure that host countries have the
challenges. Many host countries have shown capacity to support refugees beyond the
tremendous commitment despite the growing emergency phase.
numbers and challenges. While donors have
responded generously, the gap between By 2016, the scale of large-scale population
needs and available resources continues movements and the urgent need for better
to grow. responses were already featuring prominently
on the international agenda. In 2016, through
Refugees and the communities hosting them the New York Declaration on Refugees and
face numerous challenges. Many refugees Migrants, the United Nations General
live in exile for decades. They are often Assembly initiated the development of two
isolated in camps, do not have access to global compacts – one on refugees and one
public services and lack opportunities to be on safe, regular and orderly migration. A new
self-sufficient. More than half of the global comprehensive refugee response framework
number are children, 3.7 million of whom are (CRRF) was launched and rolled out in more
not in school. Host communities are often than a dozen countries. In December 2018,
confronted with their own socio-economic the two global compacts – developed through
difficulties and have scare resources. A policy separate but complementary processes, were
of inclusion allows refugees to contribute endorsed by the General Assembly.
positively to their host country and brings
benefits to everyone. It also provides refugees The Global Compact on Refugees builds on
with the education and skills needed to existing international refugee instruments,
rebuild their home countries upon return. draws upon lessons learned from rolling out
Most of all, it engenders hope. the CRRF and puts in place a new set of
arrangements to drive and resource the new
Less than a quarter of the 193 United Nations comprehensive refugee response model. It
Member States bear the responsibility for calls for a longer-term perspective that looks
refugees, either hosting large refugee towards solutions from the outset of an
populations or contributing financially to emergency. It envisions more predictable and
10 GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENTSetting the stage
Objectives of the
Global Compact on Refugees:
• Ease the pressures on host countries;
• Enhance refugee self-reliance;
• Expand access to third-country solutions; and
• Support conditions in countries of origin for return in safety and dignity.
sustainable support to ease the pressure
on host countries, enhance refugee
self-reliance, expand access to third-
country solutions and support conditions
in countries of origin for return in safety
and dignity.
The Compact sets out several
arrangements to ensure that both Students using INS on a tablet. ©INS
refugees and host communities benefit
from this support. This includes the GOOD PRACTICE
holding of a Global Refugee Forum every Instant Network Schools:
four years where States and other actors Improving learning for
come together to share good practices
and contribute financial support, technical
510,000 students
expertise and policy changes to help Instant Network Schools (INS) enable young
reach the goals of the Compact. These refugees and teachers to access digital
contributions are key to transforming the educational content and the internet,
lives of refugees and bringing about real improving the quality of education in some
change. of the most marginalized communities
where Vodafone operates.
Region: Africa
Theme: Education
Submitted by: Private Sector
GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENT 11A “whole-of-society” effort
A “whole-of-society” effort
The first Global Refugee Forum took place on Khayre, participated in the closing plenary
16 (advance session), 17 and 18 December session, together with the European
2019 at the United Nations in Geneva, Commissioner for International Partnerships,
Switzerland. The Swiss Government co- Jutta Urpilainen. The involvement of
hosted the GRF with UNHCR, while Costa Switzerland, as co-host, and the co-conveners
Rica, Ethiopia, Germany, Pakistan and Turkey was essential in helping to mobilize broad
– all long-standing champions of the refugee political support for the Forum.
cause – co-convened this historic event. The
plenary was opened by the High Preparing the Forum was a global effort. The
Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, multi-stakeholder and partnership approach,
and the Swiss Federal Councilor, Ignazio embodied in the GCR, also lay at the heart of
Cassis. The United Nations Secretary-General, GRF preparations. More than 200 States and
António Guterres, also addressed the Forum, other entities stepped up as co-sponsors to
followed by remarks from the co-conveners: drive progress in the following areas: burden-
Costa Rica (President Carlos Alvarado and responsibility-sharing, education, jobs
Quesada), Ethiopia (Deputy Prime Minister and livelihoods, energy and infrastructure,
Demeke Mekonnen) Germany (Foreign solutions, and protection capacity.
Minister Heiko Maas), Pakistan (Prime Minister
Imran Khan) and Turkey (President Recep Governments and other actors, particularly
Tayyip Erdogan). non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and
faith-based groups, held 30 country-level and
The two-day plenary featured statements of regional consultations in the lead-up to the
support from senior government officials, Forum, to identify possible pledges and good
heads of international organizations, practices. This helped engage many new
representatives of regional organizations, civil actors from different parts of government and
society and the private sector, and refugees. civil society.
The Prime Minister of Somalia, Hassan Ali
“This is a moment to mobilize international cooperation and solidarity; to galvanize real
progress on access to education, livelihoods and energy; to build the resilience of
refugees and their host communities; to preserve humanitarian space and access to
people in need; and to strengthen services, in particular for people with disabilities and
people who have faced sexual and gender-based violence.”
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres – opening remarks at the GRF
12 GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENTA “whole-of-society” effort
© UNHCR/Antoine Tardy
United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland. Refugee students Anwar Hourani (left) and
Adhieu Achuil Dhieu Kueth (right) attend the Global Refugee Forum
The GRF successfully broadened the base of voices were heard throughout the event and,
support for comprehensive refugee at the closing of the GRF, a refugee statement
responses, both in the lead-up to the event was issued. This reaffirmed the need to
and in terms of the commitments made. Some continue closely engaging refugees in
3,000 individuals participated in the GRF, decision-making and reiterated the
including 90 State officials at the ministerial commitment of refugees to do so.
level or above. Representatives of 55
international organizations, 130 companies The fact that so many members of the
and foundations, and 250 civil society international community came together at the
organizations were also present, in addition to GRF, in solidarity with refugees and host
members of sports organizations, city communities, is testimony to the political will
networks, parliaments and academic to constructively and collectively address the
institutions. issue of displacement.
Crucially, 70 refugees from 22 countries of The GRF was a key vehicle for ensuring
origin and 30 host countries were present at implementation of the GCR and transforming
the Forum. The pivotal role of refugees, both the way in which the international community
in preparing for and participating in the GRF, responds to forced displacement, with the
was clear. It demonstrated the importance of international community making
keeping refugees at the center of matters that groundbreaking commitments to accelerate
relate to their lives and futures and serves as this transformation.
a model for future good practice. Refugee
GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENT 13A “whole-of-society” effort
Global Refugee Forum
at a Glance
3,000+ participants, Plenary session opened by 6 high-level dialogues
including 4 Heads of State/ UNHCR, Switzerland, the corresponding to the areas of
Government, 70+ refugees, United Nations Secretary- focus
90+ government officials at General, Costa Rica, Ethiopia,
the ministerial level and Germany, Pakistan and
above, 130+ private sector Turkey
participants, 300+ other
stakeholders
4 special events to launch 48 spotlight sessions 35 speakers’ corner
the support platforms (MIRPS, organized by a wide range of presentations
IGAD and SSAR) and the stakeholders
Global Academic
Interdisciplinary Network)
14 GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENTA “whole-of-society” effort
15 stands in a Independent exhibitions A social media zone
marketplace of on a wide range of topics,
good practices including calligraphy, art,
sports, education and
refugee entrepreneurship
Launch of Ben and Jerry’s 16 leaders and influencers “Solidarity Train” travelling
icecream flavour “Cone interviewed by Sesame Street across France to Switzerland,
Together” with refugee on education to spread the message of
participants solidarity and refugee
inclusion, arrived on the eve
of the GRF
10 public events in Geneva, including: a MADE51 stand at the Parc des Bastions Christmas
Market; flags on the Pont du Mont Blanc; the lighting of the Jet d’Eau (left); lunch at the Bains
des Paquis for refugees with the High Commissioner (middle); an art exhibition; a University of
Geneva event on higher education for refugees; a poster exhibition about refugee women and
girls; a Lego Foundation interactive exhibition on refugee education; and a football match
involving refugees (right), local players, diplomats and UN staff
GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENT 15A “whole-of-society” effort
Capturing the world’s attention
The GRF was an important media
moment that resulted in wide-scale
coverage in the international, regional
and local media:
UNHCR launched the #Everyone Counts
campaign to raise the awareness of the
general public. User-generated content for
the campaign on TikTok – including content
that was produced with UNHCR’s Goodwill More than 154,000 positive messages
Ambassadors and refugees – received over mentioning the GRF or #EveryoneCounts
16 million views across 40 markets. campaign were posted on social media,
including Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn,
Facebook and Tik Tok, reaching
662 million people.
16 GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENTA “whole-of-society” effort
The 5 largest social media The top performing tweet The social media zone hosted
audiences were in Pakistan, (which received 34,500 over 60 guest interviews
Switzerland, Turkey, the views) featured Prime Minister tailored for Twitter, Facebook,
United Kingdom of Great Imran Khan in the social Instagram, LinkedIn and
Britain and Northern Ireland, media zone. TikTok and included
and the United States of participation from 11 heads of
America. State/government and
ministers, 9 CEOs/private
sector leaders, 10 UN leaders;
9 NGO leaders, 20 refugees
and other influencers.
GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENT 17Outcomes
Outcomes
Global Refugee Forum –
high-level outcomes
In preparation for the first GRF in December 2019, pledges and good practices
aimed to achieve 10 high-level outcomes related to the objectives of the GCR:
1 Progress in broadening the base of 5 Dedicated support to expand access to
support for comprehensive refugee secondary, tertiary and higher
responses. education for refugees.
2 Support for the development of more 6 Financial, technical and material
inclusive national policies in host contributions in support of sustainable
countries with a focus on strengthened green energy and environmental
protection capacity, inclusion in national conservation.
systems and increased access to jobs
and livelihoods, and financial inclusion. 7 Private sector announcements in the
form of investments, employment,
3 Launch of support platforms focusing innovation, advocacy and philanthropy.
on the Comprehensive Regional
Protection and Solutions Framework in 8 Contributions towards solutions,
Central America and Mexico, the Nairobi including the 3-year resettlement and
Process facilitated by the complementary pathways strategy,
Intergovernmental Authority on sustainable voluntary repatriation and
Development in the East and Horn of local integration, where applicable.
Africa, and the Solutions Strategy for
Afghan Refugees. 9 Launch of the Asylum Capacity
Support Group.
4 Additional funding and the effective and
efficient use of resources. 10 Launch of the Global Academic
Interdisciplinary Network (GAIN).
18 GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENTOutcomes
© UNHCR/Gabo Morale
Resettled Syrian refugee, Hanan, looks on during classes in school in São Paulo, Brazil.
GOOD PRACTICE
Human Refuge: Working with São Paulo’s
teachers to better welcome refugees into
their schools
Training for teachers aims to promote closer contact with
refugees. Refugee issues are incorporated in public policies
and diverse educative materials are produced according to
the reality of each school.
Region: Americas
Theme: Education
Submitted by: State
GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENT 19Outcomes
Global overview
The broad engagement and the richness and than 350 examples of good practices that
diversity of ideas that emerged from the illustrate how the GCR is already making a
whole-of-society approach at the Forum led difference in the lives of refugees. At least
to promising results. Some 1,400 pledges one-fourth of the pledges received were joint
were recorded (including those announced at contributions between governments, civil
the high-level segment on statelessness society, the private sector, and other
during the seventieth plenary session of stakeholders made in the spirit of partnership
UNHCR’s Executive Committee in October inherent in the Compact. Notably, one-third of
2019). The pledges took various forms, from the pledges came from countries in the global
financial commitments to technical and south, demonstrating the resolve and sense
material support, measures to introduce of responsibility that these countries bring to
inclusive national policies, and commitments refugee responses.
towards solutions. Participants shared more
Map of recipient countries of pledges made at the Forum
20 GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENTOutcomes
Number of pledging entities
350
316
300
254
250
200
150 136
99
100 82
74
63
48 41 41
50
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Key pledging outcomes
More than 100 pledges in support of Some 180 pledges focused on
inclusive national policies. achieving lasting solutions, and more
than 120 commitments aimed to expand
140 pledges focused on expanding third-country solutions.
access to quality education.
Protection pledges, including for asylum
Over 100 pledges addressed jobs and capacity, and for age, gender and
livelihoods. diversity (AGD) goals, and 125,000
hours of pro bono legal services.
40 States and other stakeholders
committed to support green energy and Several pledges towards water,
conservation efforts. sanitation and hygience (WASH) and
health.
Thirty actors signed up to UNHCR’s
Clean Energy Challenge.
GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENT 21Outcomes
A review of pledges by area of focus reveals a
strong commitment to refugee resilience and
self-reliance in the pledges towards protection
capacity, education, and jobs and livelihoods,
which made up almost one-half of the pledges
(excluding the statelessness pledges). Similarly,
in the spirit of promoting support to host
communities, solutions, burden- and
responsibility-sharing, and energy and
infrastructure accounted for one-third of the
pledges that were made at the Forum.
Number of Pledges by Area of Focus
Jobs and livelihoods
Education
Responsibility
sharing
arrangements
Protection capacity Solutions
Energy and
infrastructure
Multiple
Other
This total includes only pledges formally submitted at the
Global Refugee Forum
22 GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENTOutcomes
Other
Financial
10%
Resettlement and 18%
complementary
pathways
8%
Number of Pledges
by Type
30%
34% Material and/or
technical support
Policy
The GRF was a key moment in bringing In total, more than 700 law and policy
humanitarian and development action pledges were announced during the Forum in
together. It provided the space to do so, support of refugee inclusion and support to
encourgaing significant pledges by host host communities. Host countries made over
countries to move away from the traditional 280 pledges alone (excluding the
approach of assisting refugees in camps to a statelessness pledges). These included:
more inclusive model. These pledges aim to potential revisions to national policies
include refugees, together with their host impacting refugees; efforts aimed at
communities, in national development plans, promoting refugee inclusion through out-of-
systems and services, such as education and camp policies, access to national services,
healthcare, with support from development such as education and health care, and the
actors through an array of financing participation of refugees in development
instruments. A critical next step will be to planning; the strengthening of asylum systems
identify further financial commitments that can and protection mechanisms; the creation of
support the implementation of the policy legal frameworks that contribute to a more
pledges as a demonstration of burden- and enabling environment for the enjoyment and
responsibility-sharing in action. This has great realization of rights by refugees; and
potential to change the way we respond to commitments towards solutions, namely
situations of displacement. voluntary repatriation and the promotion of
local integration.
GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENT 23Outcomes
Significant attention to matching the financial to refugee situations and in implementing
and policy commitments will be required. This inclusive policies. As this support is translated
will help ensure that the law and policy into action in the coming years, many
pledges are adequately financed and refugees will no longer be resigned to a state
supported. of limbo and dependent on humanitarian aid.
Instead, their rights will be guaranteed and
UNHCR is already seeing tangible results in they will be able to live with a sense of
refugee-hosting districts, thanks to the purpose and hope.
commendable actions of host governments
and the concerted efforts of partners. States The financial pledges made include those
are encouraged to continue securing the aimed at supporting UNHCR, international
inclusion of refugees in local and national organizations, United Nations agencies,
service provision and development plans, national and international NGOs, and specific
while also addressing the longer-term countries or regions. They also include
development impact upon host communities. in-kind contributions that have a monetary
value.
Complementing the pledges related to policy
change, new programmes and technical
support, over 280 pledges contained a
financial commitment. Some 200 of these
pledges will support countries in responding
GOOD PRACTICE
Barefoot Counsellors:
© Ismail Ferdous, Caritas Bangladesh.
Rohingya Refugee Response
Community-based protection programme for
the Rohingya refugee emergency response,
focusing on home visitation, psycho-social
support and protection-based awareness
raising.
Region: Asia and the Pacific
Theme: Protection Capacity
Submitted by: NGOs
24 GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENTOutcomes
Financial commitments at the Forum
250+ pledges contained a financial Adoption of a common position on
commitment financing for refugee situations
(Organisation for Economic Co-
$2.2 billion for the International operation and Development’s (OECD)
Development Association (IDA19) International Network on Conflict and
refugee window (World Bank) Fragility (INCAF))
$2.5 billion to boost the private sector UN common pledge to include refugees
and create jobs in countries affected by in the new Sustainable Development
fragility, conflict and violence (World Cooperation Framework
Bank)
Pledge by development banks made
$1 billion in financing from the Inter- through the Multilateral Development
American Development Bank Bank (MDB)* Coordination Platform on
Economic Migration and Forced
$2 billion from States and other Displacement to maximize its collective
actors development impact for the benefit of
the forcibly displaced and their hosts.
$250 million from the private
sector
More than half of these commitments are Some of these contributions relate to the
strictly financial contributions submitted by continuation of existing programmes, which
States and other stakeholders in support of involve scaling-up, extension or expansion.
refugees and host communities, in line with Several States made broad financial
GCR and its implementation at the global and commitments that remain open to discussion
country-specific levels. The majority of these on how best they can be channelled.
contributuions are for Africa, followed by the
Middle East and North Africa, the Americas,
Asia and the Pacific, and Europe. In line with
the GCR objectives, one-fourth of the financial
contributions are for responsibility-sharing
arrangements, and one-fourth are towards
education.
* Members of the MDB include the African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development,
European Investment Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, and World Bank Group.
GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENT 25© UNHCR/Roger Arnold
Outcomes
Bangladesh. Alternative fuel saves money, reduces risks and protects landscape.
Development actors made substantial common pledge to include refugees in the
contributions through both financing and new Sustainable Development Cooperation
policy approaches. Building further on its Framework. Furthemore, a number of
ground-breaking work over the last few years, development banks made a pledge through
the World Bank Group announced a new the Multilateral Development Bank (MDB)
funding and financing window of $2.2 billion Coordination Platform on Economic Migration
for refugees and host communities. It also and Forced Displacement to expand and
announced a window of $2.5 billion to boost deepen their cooperation with one another,
the private sector and create jobs in countries and with member countries and other relevant
affected by fragility, conflict and violence. The stakeholders to maximize their collective
Inter-American Development Bank similarly development impact for the benefit of the
announced financing of $1 billion. Building on forcibly displaced and their hosts.
a policy paper developed by the OECD, the
International Network on Conflict and Fragility The mobilization of the private sector also
(INCAF), a subsidiary body of the featured prominently in this effort. Diverse
Development Assistance Committee (DAC), partners such as the World Economic Forum,
adopted a Common Position on supporting the TENT Foundation, the International
comprehensive responses in refugee Chamber of Commerce, and the IKEA
situations. United Nations agencies made a Foundation, played an important role in
26 GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENTOutcomes
engaging and encouraging private sector “Refugee situations are ‘crises’ only
partners to contribute to the Forum as co- when we let them become so, by
sponsors and pledge-makers. The private thinking short-term, by failing to plan
sector contributed in financial terms as well as and work together across sectors, and
in other forms such as the provision of by neglecting the communities they
technology, new business models, expertise, arrive in. At this Forum, we have seen
employment opportunities and investments in
a decisive shift towards the longer-
refugee responses. The pledge of 125,000
term view.”
hours per annum in pro-bono legal services,
made jointly by the international legal High Commissioner for Refugees,
community in cooperation with the Global Filippo Grandi – closing remarks at
Network of Public Interest Law, is an example the GRF
of less visible, but equally important pledges
made by the private sector.
© UNHCR/Diego Ibarra Sánchez
Turkey. Scholarship helps young Syrian refugee pursue dentistry studies.
GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENT 27Outcomes
Regional summaries
Middle East/North Africa
Asia Pacific
Global
4%
9%
22%
Americas
14%
Pledges Submitted
by Region
26%
Africa
25%
Europe
Africa
7
Close to 180 pledges were received 7
8
from 54 different entities in Africa,
including 34 States, as well as NGOs 14 55
and the private sector.
Protection capacity
Africa
Solutions 25
Jobs and livelihoods
Education
Energy and infrastructure
Responsibility sharing arrangements 26 34
Multiple
Other
28 GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENTOutcomes
1
5
11
A total of 45 pledges were received from the 3
Central and West Africa region, primarily as
individual contributions. The majority of the
Central and
pledges were submitted by 14 States. Among
other stakeholders in the region, one NGO
West Africa
8
(Young African Leaders Initiative-Centre
Régional de Leadership de Dakar) and one
11
regional organization (the Central African
Economic and Monetary Community/CEMAC) 6
made pledges.
A total of 64 pledges were submitted from the
East and Horn of Africa and Great Lakes 4 1
region, mostly as individual pledges. Nine
13
States made the majority of these pledges.
Almost equal numbers of other stakeholders, 9
including NGOs and the private sector, made
pledges. Eastern Horn of
Africa and the
A total of 70 pledges were received from the Great Lakes
Southern Africa region, of which the majority 12
11
were submitted by 11 States. Among other
stakeholders, two private sector partners
(Vodacom Group and Refugee Financial 12
Inclusion Solutions) submitted 10 per cent of
the total pledges.
2
5
4
2
6 31
Protection capacity Southern Africa
Solutions
Jobs and livelihoods
Education 8
Energy and infrastructure
Responsibility sharing arrangements
11
Multiple
Other
GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENT 296
17
Europe 37
60
A total of 327 pledges were made by States
and other stakeholders in Europe. They were
received from 91 different pledging entities, 24
Europe
including from 40 States and 22 NGOs.
Among the 37 pledging States, 26 European
Union (EU) Member States made a total of 74
180 pledges. Two-thirds of the EU Member 50
State pledges are global pledges supporting
hosting countries with refugee responses 26
and durable solutions, and one-third of the
pledges are within European countries
(mainly domestic pledges but also pledges Protection capacity
supporting other European countries). Solutions
Jobs and livelihoods
Eleven non-EU member States made more Education
than a total of 50 pledges, with 39 policy Energy and infrastructure
pledges aimed at improving asylum systems Responsibility sharing arrangements
and refugee responses, including with Multiple
financial, technical and material support. Other
One-fourth of the pledges from European
actors, both international and domestic,
focused on solutions, including resettlement
and integration policies, and financial
pledges supporting durable solutions in host
countries. Many pledges focused on the
promotion of access to education for
refugees, both in host countries and
domestically, including primary, secondary
and tertiary education. The majority of
pledges covered multiple thematic areas (e.g.
education, complementary pathways,
solutions,and jobs and livelihoods). Sixty-five
per cent of pledges are international and 35
per cent domestic. One-third of the pledges
have not specified receiving countries and
will require specification and matching, based
on assessments carried out with UNHCR.
30 GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENTOutcomes
4
20
Americas 13
53
A total of 160 pledges were made by States
and other stakeholders from the Americas
6 Americas
and the Caribbean, 39 of which were joint
pledges made by more than one State and 16
other stakeholder.
24
23
Asia Pacific
A total of 86 pledges were made by actors in
the Asia Pacific region, primarily by States (43 5
per cent), NGOs (20 per cent) and academics
(13 per cent). Commitments made by 13
27
stakeholders focused almost equally on
domestic and global changes.
4
Asia Pacific
Middle East and
North Africa 9
A total of 54 pledges were made by actors in 11 17
the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
region, most of which were made by States
(34 per cent). In the MENA region, pledges
were almost equally focused on domestic 4
contributions, as well as contributions to the 7
global response.
6
14
Protection capacity Middle East
Solutions and North Africa
6
Jobs and livelihoods
Education
2
Energy and infrastructure
Responsibility sharing arrangements
Multiple 15
Other
GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENT 31© UNHCR/Pierre Albouy
Initiatives launched for the Forum
Switzerland. Central American states discuss the region’s refugee crisis
Initiatives launched
for the Forum
The GRF was an opportunity to launch mechanisms for
responsibility-sharing that are envisioned in the GCR.
Support Platforms The Support Platforms create the necessary
momentum to redefine the way in which the
international community as a whole responds
Three Support Platforms were created to to the most protracted and complex refugee
reinforce regional refugee responses, situations. In a spirit of partnership and in line
including the MIRPS in Central America and with host country ownership and leadership,
Mexico, the Nairobi Process facilitated by their functions include: (i) galvanizing political
IGAD in the East and Horn of Africa, and the commitment and advocacy for prevention,
SSAR Support Platform for Afghan Refugees. protection, response and solutions; (ii)
Each of the high-level launch events was mobilizing financial, material and technical
accompanied by significant commitments of assistance, as well as enhancing resettlement
support from a broad and diverse alliance of and complementary pathways; and (iii)
States, partners and other stakeholders. facilitating coherent humanitarian and
development responses.
32 GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENT© UNHCR/Andrew McConnell Initiatives launched for the Forum
Representatives of seven African countries from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) discuss Somalia’s refugee
crisis at a session chaired by the High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, during the Global Refugee Forum.
IGAD SUPPORT PLATFORM
The protracted displacement of over 4 million level. Guided by four dedicated pillars to
refugees in the eight IGAD countries has amplify impact (return and reintegration;
regional dimensions that require close education; jobs, livelihoods and self-reliance;
collaboration between humanitarian, and health), the Platform seeks to support
development, political and security actors. IGAD and its Member States. It aims to
IGAD Member States have shown exemplary engage strategically with other stakeholders,
leadership, taking the bold step of jointly including States, development actors and the
pursuing a regional approach to address the private sector, with a view to broadening
protracted situations in the region in a support for the Nairobi Process and ensuring
comprehensive manner. In March 2017, the the fulfillment of national action plans under
IGAD Heads of State Summit adopted the the Nairobi Declaration, and the commitments
Nairobi Declaration on Durable Solutions for made by Member States through the adoption
Somali Refugees and Reintegration of of the IGAD Djibouti Declaration on Education
Returnees and its Comprehensive Plan of and the Kampala Declaration on Jobs and
Action, which represent the regional Livelihoods. The Nairobi Declaration set a
application of the GCR. successful example for how to pursue a
comprehensive approach, and the launch of
The IGAD Support Platform is an important the Regional Support Platform for the IGAD
tool to ensure that these regional Nairobi Declaration reflects the strength of
commitments are advanced at the domestic this process.
GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENT 33Initiatives launched for the Forum
© UNHCR/Arturo Almenar
New arrivals receive support from UNHCR and the local authorities. A child plays outside the UNHCR-supported Hotel San Angel
shelter in Tapachula, southern Mexico.
MIRPS SUPPORT PLATFORM
The MIRPS, a State-led initiative currently Central to the MIRPS process is defining a
including Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El comprehensive response that is implemented
Salvador, Honduras, Mexico and Panama is a through national action plans for each country.
regional application of the GCR. It is designed Reflecting an existing commitment to respond
to respond to the large-scale forced to forced displacement in the region, each of
displacement that these countries are facing the seven MIRPS States made pledges at the
as countries of origin, transit and destination. GRF – totalling some 40 pledges collectively.
Violence, persecution and socio-political The well-attended launch event was an
instability in Central American countries have opportunity to showcase the commitments of
led hundreds of thousands of people to flee key stakeholders, with national governments,
into neighbouring States. Recognizing that civil society and the private sector pledging
this crisis has received insufficient attention, commitments towards the MIRPS process.
the MIRPS Support Platform seeks to harness
renewed momentum, enhancing advocacy
and political support, increasing linkages
between humanitarian, development, and
peace interventions, and supporting a
stronger role for the private sector.
34 GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENT© UNHCR/Sebastian Rich Initiatives launched for the Forum
Afghan refugee children playing cricket in the UNHCR refugee Akohra village in Pakistan.
SSAR SUPPORT PLATFORM
Entering the fifth decade of protracted resources and expand partnerships to
displacement, Afghan refugees continue to promote and realize its three pillars –
constitute the second largest refugee voluntary repatriation, sustainable
population in the world. The Islamic Republics reintegration and assistance to host countries.
of Iran and Pakistan host nearly 90 per cent of The Platform will seek to change the way in
the 2.7 million Afghan refugees globally, in which the international community as a whole
addition to sizeable populations of responds to the Afghan refugee situation by
documented and undocumented Afghans promoting greater responsibility-sharing in
with a different status. Millions are also recognition and support of the inclusive
displaced internally in Afghanistan. policies of the host countries. The
reinvigorated commitment of the international
Since the launch of the Solutions Strategy for community is imperative, at a time when
Afghan Refugees (SSAR) in 2012, the three Afghanistan stands at a critical juncture of
governments have progressively pursued this complex transitions and an opportunity for
regional approach aimed at creating an peace. As a concrete confidence-building
environment conducive to voluntary effort in support of the emerging peace
repatriation and sustainable reintegration process, the focus remains on ensuring
inside Afghanistan, while also easing pressure coordinated and targeted area-based
on the host countries. UNHCR and the three humanitarian-development-peace
governments launched the SSAR Support investments in the priority areas of return and
Platform during the GRF to reinforce the reintegration identified by the Government of
priorities of the SSAR, mobilize additional Afghanistan and UNHCR.
GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENT 35Initiatives launched for the Forum
Indicators framework for the GCR
An indicator framework was developed to track progress towards the objectives of the GCR. It
will provide a global overview of international solidarity and responsibility-sharing for refugee
situations and the related impact on refugees. Against the four GCR objectives, eight outcomes
were developed along with corresponding indicators. The collection of GCR indicator data will
be the joint responsibility of countries and international institutions, with technical support
provided by UNHCR country offices and other stakeholders. The first comprehensive statistical
outcome of the GCR indicators will be presented in 2021 at the inaugural high-level officials
meeting. This will include a focus on global trends and will be based predominantly on
aggregate data.
GOOD PRACTICE
Wash’Em: Improving hygiene
programming in emergencies
A one-week process for designing hand-
washing behavioural change programmes.
It involves using 5 rapid assessment tools.
Findings are then entered into a decision-
© Wash’Em
making software which generates context-
adapted recommendations.
Region: Global
Theme: Energy & infrastructure
Submitted by: NGOs / Academics &
Researchers
36 GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENTInitiatives launched for the Forum
Indicators for the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR)
Objectives 1 to 4
GCR Objective 1: Ease GCR Objective 2: Enhance GCR Objective 3: Expand GCR Objective 4: Support
pressures on host refugee self-reliance. access to third country conditions in countries of
countries. solutions. origin for return in safety
and dignity.
Outcomes 1 to 8
Outcome 1.1: Resources Outcome 2.1: Refugees are Outcome 3.1: Refugees in Outcome 4.1: Resources
supporting additional able to actively participate need have access to are made available to
instruments and pro- in the social and economic resettlement opportunities support the sustainable
grammes are made life of host countries. in an increasing number of reintegration of returning
available for refugees and countries. refugees by an increasing
host communities by an number of donors.
increasing number of
donors.
Indicators for 1.1 Indicators for 2.1 Indicators for 3.1 Indicators for 4.1
1.1.1 Volume of official 2.1.1 Proportion of refugees 3.1.1 Number of refugees 4.1.1 Volume of official
development assistance who have access to decent who departed on resettle- development assistance
(ODA) provided to, or for work. (Tier 1) ment from the host country. (ODA) provided to, or for
the benefit of, refugees (Tier 1) the benefit of, refugee
2.1.2 Proportion of
and host communities in returnees in the country of
refugees who are able to 3.1.2 Number of countries
the refugee-hosting origin. (Tier 2)
move freely within the host receiving UNHCR reset-
country. (Tier 2)
country. (Tier 1) tlement submissions from 4.1.2 Number of donors
1.1.2 Number of donors the host country. providing official devel-
providing official devel- (Tier 1) opment assistance (ODA)
opment assistance (ODA) to, or for the benefit of,
to, or for the benefit of, refugee returnees in the
refugees and host commu- country of origin. (Tier 2)
nities in the refugee-
hosting country. (Tier 2)
Outcome 1.2: National Outcome 2.2: Refugee and Outcome 3.2: Refugees Outcome 4.2: Refugees are
arrangements and coordi- host community self- have access to comple- able to return and
nated refugee responses reliance is strengthened. mentary pathways for reintegrate socially and
are supported. admission to third economically.
countries.
Indicators for 1.2 Indicators for 2.2 Indicator for 3.2 Indicators for 4.2
1.2.1 Proportion of offical 2.2.1 Proportion of refugee 3.2.1 Number of refugees 4.2.1 Number of refugees
development assistance children enrolled in the admitted through comple- returning to their country
(ODA) provided to, or for national education system mentary pathways from the of origin. (Tier 1)
the benefit of, refugees (primary and secondary). host country.
4.2.2 Proportion of
and host communities (Tier 2)
(Tier 2) returnees with legally
channeled to national
2.2.2 Proportion of refugee recognized documentation
actors in the refugee-
and host community and credentials. (Tier 2)
hosting country. (Tier 2)
population living below the
1.2.2 Number of partners national poverty line of the
supporting national host country.
arrangements in the
(Tier 2)
refugee-hosting country.
(Tier 2)
GLOBAL REFUGEE FORUM OUTCOME DOCUMENT 37Initiatives launched for the Forum
Three-Year Strategy
on Resettlement
and Complementary
Pathways
UNHCR and partners launched a strategy to
increase resettlement places and admissions,
and expand the number of countries offering
programmes. The strategy set out to reach
60,000 departures and submissions to 29
States in 2019, and the first year’s targets
have been met. There were more than 120
commitments to expand third-country
solutions at the GRF, including resettlement,
private or community sponsorship, labour
mobility schemes, and scholarships for
refugees. The Reference Group (comprising
those who helped develop the strategy,
including States, NGOs, academia and the
private sector) will regularly review and
update the Global Action Plan for the
implementation of the strategy. A new
framework for consultation on resettlement
and complementary pathways will be
presented at the Annual Tripartite
© UNHCR/Kristof Vadino
Consultations on Resettlement (ATCR) in June
2020. The proposal will include the
establishment of a Working Group on
Complementary Pathways, which would also
provide for the systematic inclusion of
refugee advocates.
Belgium. Ifrah brings to Brussels a strong dose of
vivaciousness and creativity
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