“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 (2022)

“The Global Roadmap for Refugee Entrepreneurship provides strategic guidance for UNHCR and partners to support refugee entrepreneurship, reflecting on available opportunities and global best practices in the field. The roadmap is based on research findings from global and regional desk reviews in Europe, MENA, the Americas, East and Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes, West and Central Africa, Southern Africa, and Asia, with focus on 21 countries. Extensive consultation informed the roadmap involving primary data collection from 47 interviews and 10 consultation meetings with UNHCR country, regional, and global-level staff and partners, as well as with major development actors, and practitioners.”

https://www.unhcr.org/media/global-roadmap-refugee-entrepreneurship (09.01.2023)

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)

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)