People with a valid claim to protection often undertake desperate and dangerous journeys, during which they face severe threats, including gender-based violence, trafficking, torture, and physical harm. UNHCR aims to make such journeys unnecessary, by emphasizing the fundamental safeguards of refugee protection and solutions, by supporting the capacity of State asylum systems, by combating misinformation, by ensuring people are warned about the dangers, and by advocating access to regular pathways. We also seek to leverage the widespread support for the Global Compact on Refugees, which promotes international cooperation, shared responsibility, and support for countries hosting large refugee populations.
Six pillars of action
- Pillar 1: Focusing attention on rescue at sea and land, access to safety (protection-sensitive entry and admission)
- Pillar 2: Strengthening asylum systems for refugees
- Pillar 3: Addressing immediate protection and assistance needs, and stepping up efforts to address trafficking and smuggling
- Pillar 4: Engaging development actors and States in strengthening solutions, inclusion and rights closer to countries of origin to provide stabilizing support
- Pillar 5: Working with partners to include refugees in migration pathways and expand third country solutions
- Pillar 6: Supporting efforts for safe and dignified return, readmission and reintegration of migrants and voluntary repatriation of refugees
Scaling up multi-faceted solutions in Africa
Equity Group Foundation, Equity Bank, and UNHCR signed an MOU at the UN General Assembly 2024 to foster sustainable community development for refugees, IDPs, and host communities across East and Central Africa. This partnership builds on successful local collaboration in Kenya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), increasing financial inclusion and self-reliance among thousands of refugees and host community members. The newly established regional and strategic collaboration seeks to empower communities across Kenya, the DRC, Rwanda, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, South Sudan, and Ethiopia by implementing comprehensive initiatives in education, financial inclusion, health care, agriculture, and climate resilience, ultimately driving sustainable development and enhancing quality of life.
