Education, refugee experiences take center stage at Global Refugee Forum
Education for refugees, support for host countries, and amplifying the voices of those forced to flee their homes will be the main focus of the second Global Refugee Forum in Geneva this week. UNHCR goodwill ambassador Cate Blanchett is calling on politicians, diplomats, charities, businesses, and refugees to prioritize these crucial aspects of the refugee crisis. The forum, held every four years, aims to address the challenges faced by an increasing number of displaced individuals worldwide.
Blanchett, who traveled to Jordan, Niger, and South Sudan earlier this year as part of her humanitarian role, emphasized the significance of focusing on education and supporting host communities. She stressed that solutions to the refugee crisis must include the perspectives of refugees themselves and their specific needs. The UNHCR ambassador also highlighted the importance of integrating refugees into the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which she believes will fail without their inclusion.
According to the UNHCR, conflicts, poverty, and climate change have forced a staggering 114 million people from their homes globally. As Western governments face domestic pressure to adopt stricter asylum policies, Blanchett advocates for compassionate and humane discussions surrounding migration. She warns against pushing refugees to various countries, as it only exacerbates the existing problems.
Blanchett’s role as a UNHCR goodwill ambassador involves advocacy, fundraising, and meeting refugees in different countries. This year, she revisited Jordan, home to over 600,000 Syrian refugees, after her initial visit seven years ago. She also traveled to Niger and South Sudan, and met with Congress members in Washington alongside UNHCR’s High Commissioner Filippo Grandi. In addition, Blanchett addressed the European Parliament in Brussels, urging the EU to increase its support for refugees and host nations.
The Global Refugee Forum, taking place from December 13-15, is expected to generate more pledges from states and civil society in areas such as education, labor market access, climate change mitigation, and resettlement. The forum will be attended by heads of state, senior politicians, development and faith groups, and refugees themselves. Blanchett emphasized that creative works like films and art play a vital role in facilitating dialogue and raising awareness about challenging topics.
As the world grapples with the growing refugee crisis, Blanchett’s call for prioritizing education, supporting host communities, and amplifying refugee voices serves as a reminder of the urgent need for global collaboration and empathy. This forum presents an opportunity for stakeholders from various sectors to join forces and develop sustainable solutions to alleviate the plight of millions of displaced people worldwide.
