Recently spotlighted in the news was the first-ever meeting of the Global Refugee Forum, held in the prominent city of Geneva, Switzerland. This significant event marks a milestone in the international community’s efforts to address the ongoing global refugee crisis.
Understanding the Global Refugee Forum
The guiding principles of the Global Refugee Forum are encapsulated in the Global Compact on Refugees. This compact underlines the pressing need for heightened support to refugees as well as the countries that host them, many of which are among the most impoverished in the world. Beyond offering support, the compact also seeks to empower refugees to become more self-reliant. This strategy serves a dual purpose, allowing refugees to contribute positively to their own future and to the communities that host them.
Origins of the Global Compact on Refugees
The roots of the Global Compact on Refugees can be traced back to the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants in 2016. This declaration, unanimously adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, reaffirms the significance of the international refugee regime. It encompasses a broad spectrum of commitments by Member States to augment and refine mechanisms designed to safeguard the wellbeing of people on the move.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2016 | New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants |
| 2019 | Inaugural Global Refugee Forum |
| 1950 | Establishment of UNHCR |
Role of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
The Global Compact on Refugees is part of the broader mandate of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The UNHCR acts as the UN Refugee Agency and is a global organization committed to saving lives, safeguarding rights and crafting a brighter future for refugees, forcibly displaced individuals and stateless people.
Established in 1950 in response to the displacement of millions of Europeans from their homes, the UNHCR has since been unwavering in its dedication towards providing support and refuge to those in need. The headquarters of this globally recognized institution is located in Geneva, Switzerland.