UNHCR (2021)

This document addresses the rights, challenges, and protection risks faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and other diverse identities (LGBTIQ+) individuals in situations of forced displacement. It emphasises that while they share basic needs and rights with other displaced persons, they encounter additional risks due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. The document reaffirms UNHCR’s commitment to ensuring equal rights and full participation for all persons of concern, including those within the LGBTIQ+ community, as outlined in the “UNHCR policy on age, gender, and diversity.” The focus is on providing equal access to existing international human rights, not establishing “special rights.” To address the diverse forms of discrimination, an age, gender, and diversity approach is deemed crucial to tailor protection and assistance.

https://emergency.unhcr.org/sites/default/files/UNHCR%2C%20Need%20to%20Know%20Guidance.%20Working%20with%20Lesbian%2C%20Gay%2C%20Bisexual%2C%20Transgender%2C%20and%20Intersex%20Persons%20in%20Forced%20Displacement%2C%202011.pdf (09.01.2023)

UNHCR, (2021)

This document offers guidance to UNHCR staff and partners on safeguarding the rights of older persons in forced displacement or statelessness situations. It emphasises the need to address the distinct needs of older individuals throughout various phases, ensuring their rights to independence, participation, self-fulfilment, dignity, and care without discrimination. The systematic application of UNHCR’s Age, Gender, and Diversity Policy is crucial to ensuring equal rights and full participation for all, considering the diversity within the older persons’ demographic. Additionally, the UNHCR Policy on Older Refugees calls for the protection and assistance of older persons, promoting their equality of access to measures that enhance their participation and well-being. The definition of an older person, typically aged 60 and above according to the United Nations, acknowledges the cultural and contextual variations in defining age, recognizing that different support measures may be required for those over 80.

https://emergency.unhcr.org/sites/default/files/Working%20with%20Older%20Persons%20in%20Forced%20Displacment%202013.pdf (09.01.2023)

UNHCR, (2019)

In the context of forced displacement, individuals with disabilities encounter similar rights and challenges as others, but they also confront heightened protection risks, including violence and stigma. Barriers to accessing humanitarian aid, education, and other services, coupled with potential denial of legal rights, contribute to their exclusion. UNHCR’s AGD Policy emphasises equal rights and participation for all, explicitly addressing the needs of persons with disabilities. The commitment to protecting them from discrimination aligns with UNHCR Executive Committee Conclusion No. 110 (LXI)-2010. Recognizing the diverse discrimination they face, an age, gender, and diversity approach is crucial to ensuring inclusive protection, assistance, and solutions for persons with disabilities.

https://www.unhcr.org/fr-fr/en/media/working-persons-disabilities-forced-displacement (09.01.2023)

UNHCR (2018)

This policy reaffirms UNHCR’s commitment to prioritising individuals through an age, gender, and diversity (AGD) approach, ensuring equal rights and meaningful participation for persons of concern. Aligned with existing commitments to AGD, Accountability to Affected People (AAP), and women and girls, the policy supports UNHCR’s Strategic Directions 2017-2021, emphasising the diverse experiences of displaced individuals. It mandates compliance across all operations, recognizing the nuanced impact of forced displacement based on age, gender, and diversity. The policy acknowledges progress in AGD, gender equality, and AAP, aiming to strengthen these aspects in UNHCR’s operations.

https://emergency.unhcr.org/sites/default/files/UNHCR%2C%20Policy%20on%20age%2C%20gender%20and%20diversity%2C%202018_0.pdf (09.01.2023)