Global Refugee Forum: Young refugees demand action on rights

“No-one is an expert in refugee issues more than refugees themselves. If we ignore this, that’s the problem.” Damien, refugee

Young refugees are calling for world leaders to improve their access to education, information, health services, decision-making, and legal rights in a powerful youth manifesto being presented at the Global Refugee Forum this month, the first time ever such a manifesto has been put to governments.

A total of 17 young refugees around the world – including Syria, DRC, Venezuela and Jordan – came together to write the manifesto, supported by children’s rights organisation, Plan International, together with partners.

“We wish for all refugee children, regardless of the reasons such as economic constraints or health issues, to have the opportunity to return to school,” said Maher, 21, a refugee from Syria, now resident in Jordan.

“We’re passionate about supporting young female refugees who were married at a young age, ensuring they can continue their education. We wish a genuine interest from host communities in the educational well-being of refugee students.”

The manifesto calls for governments to listen to young refugee voices, and to work closely with young people to support policy changes, fund and put programmes in place to bring a more inclusive and brighter future for all young refugees.

“We need a fundamental change in the way that young refugees are supported and empowered,” said Damien, 20, a refugee from Burundi, living in Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi, who said working on the manifesto represented a ‘beacon of hope’. “We need to move from being passive recipients to active participants in our own destinies.”

“Governments, international organisations, refugee rights advocacy organisations, and NGOs need to establish strategic alliances and work closely with young people, to influence policy changes, gather funding, and put programmes in place that will bring in a more inclusive and brighter future for all young refugees,” continued Damien. “The truth is that no-one is an expert in refugee issues more than refugees themselves. If we ignore this, that is the problem.”

In some countries, refugees are deprived of their basic rights, say the young people, with no opportunity to pursue education, work legally, or fully integrate into society, even though refugees legally have the right to access these services. There are also cases in which refugees are not legally able to access services and the labour market, nor have freedom of movement, due to restrictive encampment policies.

“The governments have the key to establish laws and policies that allows refugees to get employed and support themselves,” said Zawadi, 20, a refugee from DRC living in Malawi. “It is their responsibility to prioritise and allocate resources to ensure inclusive and equitable opportunities for all refugees.”

The Youth Manifesto will be presented to world leaders at the Global Refugee Forum (GRF), taking place in Geneva between 13 and 15 December 2023. The UN event is an opportunity for governments and other bodies to make concrete and ambitious pledges to improve the lives of refugee children, in particular girls and women.

The first GRF took place in 2019, a milestone in building solidarity with the world’s refugees, and the countries and communities hosting them.

“We demand transformative change, where every youth, regardless of age, gender, or background, has equal access to education and employment,” concluded Zawadi.

The Youth Manifesto can be found here: https://mediabank.plan-international.org/?r=227454&k=49b400de53. Bios, a feature, film, and more information are available from [email protected]

About Plan International

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it’s girls who are most affected. Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.

We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.

We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 85 years and are now active in more than 80 countries.

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About Plan International

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it’s girls who are most affected. Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.

We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.

We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 80 years and are now active in more than 75 countries.