“The Global Refugee Forum 2023 took place from 13 to 15 December at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, with linked events held in other locations from 12 December onwards.

Held every four years, the Forum is the world’s largest international gathering on refugees. It is designed to support the practical implementation of the objectives set out in the Global Compact on Refugees: Ease pressures on host countries, enhance refugee self-reliance, increase access to third-country solutions and improve conditions in countries of origin. 

It provides the opportunity for States and stakeholders to announce concrete pledges and contributions, highlight progress made, share good practices and take stock of the challenges and opportunities ahead.

The 2023 Forum [was] co-convened by six States – Colombia, France, Japan, Jordan, Niger and Uganda, and co-hosted by the Government of Switzerland and UNHCR.”

https://www.unhcr.org/global-refugee-forum-2023 (25.03.2024)

UNHCR (2019)

This Education Brief introduces Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), encompassing education, training, and skills development in various occupational fields. TVET plays a crucial role in supporting economic development by aligning skilled workforce development with labour market needs. Operating at multiple educational levels, including work-based learning, TVET is instrumental in fostering lifelong learning and is an integral part of national education systems.

For TVET programming tailored to forcibly displaced persons, the guide emphasises inclusion, advocating for equal treatment in national TVET systems. It recommends policy development, collaboration with partners, and the formal inclusion of refugees in the economy. The guide also covers market orientation, support services, accreditation, teacher training, life skills development, technology integration, and bridging to the labour market. It encourages partnerships with various sectors to enhance program effectiveness and highlights cross-cutting considerations such as gender equality, environmental sustainability, and innovation.

https://www.unhcr.org/fr-fr/en/media/key-considerations-technical-and-vocational-education-and-training-tvet (09.01.2024)

Andrea Nispel (2019)

This guide is crafted for managers and customer-facing staff in job centres and public services, aiming to improve communication with migrants. The effective delivery of public services hinges on communication, yet various challenges arise, such as clients’ limited understanding, stress, and staff facing time constraints and the technical language of services. These difficulties are intensified when clients have limited English skills and different cultural perspectives.

Fortunately, this brochure provides concrete strategies and practical tips. Managers will find insights on supporting staff to assist clients with limited language skills, while all staff members can benefit from specific guidance to reflect on communication styles in our increasingly diverse working context. By implementing these recommendations, the guide seeks to enhance communication effectiveness, particularly in situations involving clients with limited English skills and diverse cultural backgrounds. The overarching goal is to create a more positive experience for both migrants and staff within job centres and public services.

https://www.ecml.at/Resources/ECMLresources/tabid/277/ID/101/language/en-GB/Default.aspx (09.01.2024)

Braddell A., Grunhage-Monetti M., Portefin C. and Sjosvard K. (2017)

This guide is for professionals supporting the linguistic integration of adult migrants, including those in language learning, integration programs, vocational education and training, human resources, adult education,  and labour market support services.

Successful integration of adult migrants depends on language skills and employment. Language proficiency is crucial for finding suitable employment, and employment, in turn, helps migrants develop their language skills.

For migrants arriving with limited language skills and no recognized qualifications, support to develop work-related language skills is essential.

The aim is to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to contribute to the linguistic integration of adult migrants, emphasising the critical role of language skills in their successful employment and societal integration.

https://languageforwork.ecml.at/ResourceCentre/tabid/4074/InventoryID/221/language/en-GB/Default.aspx  (09.01.2024)

FRA, Eurofund, (2023)

The document discusses the response of social services in host countries to the large influx of people displaced from Ukraine, emphasising the importance of swift access to the labour market for short-term and long-term integration. The Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) and EU Charter of Fundamental Rights highlight the right of displaced individuals to work under equal conditions. The European Commission’s guidance aims to ensure non-discrimination and address specific vulnerabilities. Integration measures, including access to public services, housing, education, health, and employment assistance, are crucial for successful labour market participation. Challenges such as housing, education, and mental health support are addressed, and recommendations for facilitating recognition of qualifications are provided.

https://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2023/barriers-employment-displaced-ukrainians (09.01.2023)

UNHCR, (2022)

The document provides information on the situation of Ukrainian refugees in Romania as of early December 2022. Over 7.8 million refugees have fled Ukraine, with 98,000 in Romania. A Multi-Sector Needs Assessment (MSNA) was conducted to understand the demographic profile, needs, and intentions of these refugees. Key findings include the average age of the head of household being 40.5 years, 78% being women, and 75% of household members being female. Employment challenges were noted, with 51% having a different professional status in Romania, and 80% reported not working. Healthcare barriers, education challenges, and accommodation preferences were also highlighted. The document emphasises the importance of addressing refugees’ needs and ensuring their socio-economic resilience. 

https://repository.impact-initiatives.org/document/reach/29ffbc17/ROU2204_REACH_Romania_2022_MSNA_Report-1.pdf (09.01.2023)

Refugee Self-Reliance Initiative

The Multistakeholder Pledge on Economic Inclusion and Social Protection is a commitment to support the self-reliance of refugees, displaced individuals, and stateless people, along with their host communities. The pledge encourages concrete actions from various stakeholders to improve economic inclusion, access to land, food security, employment, financial services, entrepreneurship, training, and social protection. It serves as a platform for collaboration, sharing best practices, and pooling resources to implement these commitments. The pledge acknowledges previous commitments and aims to build upon them, emphasising progress and support for initiatives promoting self-reliance.

https://www.refugeeselfreliance.org/eisppledge

UNHCR (2011)

This text underscores the vulnerability of ethnic, religious, or linguistic minorities, indigenous peoples, and caste-based groups seeking international protection. It highlights their susceptibility to severe human rights violations, violence, persecution, and discrimination. The definition of minorities encompasses groups with a common identity, often non-dominant economically and politically, maintaining distinctive characteristics. Indigenous peoples, linked historically to pre-invasion societies, enjoy specific rights related to customary law, traditional knowledge, and cultural heritage. Caste-based discrimination, prevalent in South Asia, is also addressed. The guidance acknowledges the potential minority-like situation for refugees from the majority arriving in locations with discriminatory practices against similar communities. Refugees from minorities, indigenous peoples, and other discriminated groups may face prolonged effects, with diverse impacts on women, children, persons with disabilities, older persons, and LGBTI individuals, emphasising the need for an Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) approach in UNHCR’s protection activities.

https://emergency.unhcr.org/sites/default/files/Working%20with%20National%20or%20Ethnic%2C%20Religious%2C%20and%20Linguistic%20Minorities%20and%20Indigenous%20Peoples%20%20in%20Forced%20Displacement.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)