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15000 Afghan refugees! Yes, you read it right. According to UNHCR, the U.N. refugee agency, India hosts more than 15,000 refugees from Afghanistan. (This figure includes the children of Afghans born in India). The figure seems intimidating isn't it? Leaving your home country and settling into a foreign land takes a lot of fortitude, to adapt to a whole new atmosphere and take baby steps to build your ‘aashiyana’ again. The Afghan refugee community in India has grown over the years, seeking safety and refuge from conflict and turmoil in their homeland. The resilience that these individuals portray despite facing immense hardships, including the struggle to find stable employment and provide for their families. However, their strength, determination, and skills are a testament to their unwavering spirit. But how have we as a Project, as a family in a new place, as an admirer of their art and as a listener of their struggles been a beacon of hope for these incredible women? Our initiative is dedicated to uplifting Afghan refugee women by promoting their small handicraft crochet business. Crochet, an ancient art form, is not only a craft but a symbol of creativity and perseverance. Project Tawwaqo recognizes the potential within these talented women and provides them with the tools, training, and support they need to turn their skills into sustainable livelihoods. Through Project Tawwaqo, Afghan refugee women are not just crafting beautiful crochet products; they are weaving the fabric of their own futures. By creating opportunities for these women to earn an income, Project Tawwaqo is not only fostering economic independence but also boosting their confidence and sense of self-worth. These women are no longer just refugees; they are entrepreneurs, artisans, and champions of resilience. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of these Afghan refugee women. By purchasing our crochet products or simply spreading the word about Project Tawwaqo, you become the ray of hope, you contribute to their empowerment and help them rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose. Sending Tawwaqo your way! LinkedIn LinkedIn for Nonprofits LinkedIn for Small Business Aditi Trivedy Elizabeth Sunil Ruhani Taneja Kashish Rajput Garima Singh Saloni Sharma Ishpreet Kakkar Rubani Sandhu Kaira Chhabra Meghana Katam Lavanya Swaminathan Paridhi Goyal Moitri Das #refugeesupport #womenempowerment #womenempoweringwomen #womenentrepreneurs #entrepreneurship

51 years ago today, on 8th October 1972, our family arrived in the UK as refugees from Uganda. At gunpoint, 300,000 Indians/Asians were asked to leave the country after a military coup led by General Idi Amin. After being in Uganda for 3 generations our family lost everything: property, businesses, money, and possessions. With Uganda being a British colony, we moved to the UK as refugees with just £50 per family from the government. So my parents and extended family arrived in a new country, with broken English and empty pockets. Initially, around 25 of us lived in one house in West London; 7 brothers, 1 sister with their partners and children. This morning, I've been watching video footage of my late father explaining the humility, community, family unity, ingenuity and sheer work ethic it took to rebuild a new life with limited education. I’m here able to read, write and do what I do because of the sacrifices and hard work of that generation. A generation of entrepreneurs who had the humility to work in factories from 8am-5pm, the teamwork to support the family business from 5pm-8pm and then the ingenuity to work from 9pm - 1am at home making bags with their hands and sewing machines - to sell and make additional income. Showing that you don’t need the internet or smartphones to have a Side Gig and additional income stream. Just some skills, hard work and burning desire. They worked hard, saved smart and invested to start their own businesses - giving me, my siblings and cousins the platform for a better life. Today, I’m proud to say that I'm the son of a refugee Indian shopkeeper. (Oh and the nephew of uncles who owned ice cream factories - what a fun childhood!🍦). I hope you remember this story the next time you see a news headline about “them refugees” or when a refugee's CV / resume lands in your inbox. I encourage you to: 1. Be empathetic - see the world from their shoes 2. Be curious - every refugee has a story 3. Be open-minded - consider the unique skills that a refugee could bring to your business or network 4. Be someone who takes bet on talented refugees 5. Be a learner - learn more about supporting refugees through these organizations below: 1. [UNHCR Website](https://www.unhcr.org/) 2. [IRC Website](https://www.rescue.org/) 3. [MSF Website](https://lnkd.in/gXDWUTqK) #Refugees #Community #Resilence #Family #Talent #Leadership

How is your organisation marking Refugee Week? Refugee Week provides organisations and individuals alike an opportunity to celebrate the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees around the world. But with our recent Refugees At Work (2024) research showing that 40% of hiring managers were unsure of the law around hiring refugees, we know there is still much to be done to support refugees to enter and thrive in the workplace. In her latest article, Marianna Zajac, Senior Research Psychologist, looks at how organisations can best support refugees at work. Her article covers: - The main findings of our Refugees' At Work research - 3 ways organisations can better support refugees at work - What refugee week is and why it's important Read here in full: https://lnkd.in/eakvA5vs #RefugeeWeek #SimpleActs #InclusiveCulture #DEI #Research

Race for Refugees 2024, More than just a Race! “IN A WORLD OF FINITE RESOURCES AND BANDWIDTH, SOME CRISES WILL INEVITABLY RECEIVE LESS DONOR, DIPLOMATIC, AND MEDIA ATTENTION THAN OTHERS— WHICH IS AN APPLICATION OF ‘SELECTIVE HUMANITY’ SIMPLY UNFIT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY.“ - USCRI Over 130 million people are projected to be forcibly displaced in 2024, an unprecedented number of people qualified as refugees and seeking a place to call home again. Even as the International Institute is resettling over 100 refugees each month, in the scale of what world needs as a response, it is not up to a drop in the bucket. We need to highlight the plight of refugees some of whom spend decades in refugee camps with no hope to be resettled. The Race for Refugees was started in response to the Muslim Ban in 2017 and has continued in an effort to remind this community and the world that there are millions of children, women and men around the world who through no fault of theirs have been forced to leave their homes for fear of their lives to in most cases live in very inhumane conditions in refugee camps. On April 21, 2024 at Tower Groove Park we will be highlighting the plight of refugees and the need for action locally, nationally and International to support Refugees. Locally as the International Institute of St. Louis is receiving an unprecedented number of refugees, we need resources to support them. From bedding to clothing, kitchen ware to furniture and computer skills to English Language, transportation to medical assistance the needs are increasing. While we have a moral imperative to help these people, there is a huge economic imperative to welcoming refugees here. They become renters, home owners, tax payers, employees, employers, business owners, good neighbors and active citizens of our community. Please register for the race and support refugees, share this flyer with your colleagues at work, make this a group activity, make this a family activity, make this a fun activity, but importantly use this event learn more about who a refugee is and how we can do very little to make a difference in the lives of so many. International Institute of St. Louis International Rescue Committee UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) St. Louis Economic Development Partnership St. Louis Community College FOCUS St. Louis St. Louis Post-Dispatch St. Louis Public Radio Webster University Brown School Career Services at Washington University University of Missouri-Saint Louis Bilingual International Assistant Services https://lnkd.in/ethVbV4U race-for-refugees

I had the privilege of attending the NGO consultations on refugee resettlement and complementary pathways in Geneva this week. Over 300 delegates from 25 countries came together to discuss how we can meet the urgent needs of the 3 million refugees requiring resettlement by 2030. The discussions centered around equity, trust, and protection-centered complementary pathways. 🔑 Key takeaways included the UNHCR's strategy to achieve three main goals by 2030: 1. Expanded Resettlement 2. Improved Access to Complementary Pathways: Offering alternatives like educational opportunities, employment, family reunification, community sponsorship, and humanitarian admissions. 3. Building Welcoming and Inclusive Societies: Establishing a foundation for long-term integration and support. 💡 Addressing Key Tensions and Opportunities in the Room: 1. Equity in Response: How can we extend successful strategies from the Afghan and Ukraine responses to other crises like Sudan? This includes utilizing complementary pathways, fast-tracking employment authorization, and allowing refugees to choose their settlement locations. 2. Protection vs. Labor Pathways: As labor mobility programs grow, we must ensure we don't create a two-tiered system of refugee eligibility. 3. Engaging Refugees in global discussion: Is it about quantity or quality? We need mechanisms that ensure meaningful participation, influence, and decision-making for refugees in institutions like UNHCR, and in forums such as these. Delegates emphasized the importance of investing in refugee leadership and building the necessary infrastructure for effective collaboration. ❗ What was missing: - AI in Refugee Solutions: There was no conversation on AI, even though UNHCR is well-positioned to set standards and guidelines on data architecture and empowerment. - Inclusion Strategies: The focus was on getting people into host countries, with no modeling around effective inclusion models to ensure people are set up for success. ➡️ Next steps: - National Migration Framework: The U.S. should invest in developing a national migration framework that connects with inclusion strategies. Canada and Italy are already modeling the way. Yes, I know, I said Italy. I'd love for those of us focused on refugee inclusion to make a joint pledge at the next Global Refugee Forum to show how inclusion should be on the map. Thoughts? Listen to some of my thoughts about the consultations. #RefugeeResettlement #ComplementaryPathways #GlobalRefugeeForum

🧡 Refugee Week: Promoting Awareness and Taking Action 🧡 Together, this Refugee Week let’s make Our Home a more welcoming, safe and sustainable place for all. Here are a few ways you can get involved. 🧡 Educate: Learn about the refugee experience and share this knowledge with your network. 🧡Advocate: .Display your support by promoting Refugee Week in your workspaces (e.g. putting up a poster) or supporting on your social media channels 🧡 Engage: Volunteer with organisations that assist refugees or mentor refugees in your professional field. 🧡 Hire: Consider how your organisation can provide opportunities for refugees, recognising the unique skills and perspectives they bring. 🧡 Join the movement: the link at the bottom has a variety of different ways that you can get support at an individual or organisational level. I am currently coaching a refugee through One to One Children's fund and I come away inspired and energised every session from the resilience and strength of my coachee. Links are in the comments for ease 🧡 #SimpleActs #RefugeeWeek #OurHome #Awareness #Action #SupportRefugees #InclusiveWorkplaces

In the heart of refugee camps, amidst the struggles and challenges, lies an untapped well of potential waiting to be discovered. Refugees are not just individuals fleeing adversity; they are resilient souls equipped with a diverse set of skills and talents. It's time for businesses and employers to recognize the value that refugees bring to the table and break free from preconceived notions. A refugee is not defined solely by their status but by the wealth of opportunities and capabilities they possess. Refugee camps have become incubators for talent, showcasing individuals who have adapted, learned, and excelled in various fields. These men and women are not just survivors; they are thriving and showcasing their skills in unexpected areas. By working with refugees, businesses can tap into a pool of motivated individuals who can contribute significantly to the success and growth of any organization. It's crucial to dispel the misconception that refugees should be left behind or neglected due to their status. Anyone, under different circumstances, could find themselves seeking refuge. Companies, CEOs, and founders have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact by hiring and supporting refugees. By providing employment opportunities, not only are businesses contributing to global humanitarian efforts, but they are also gaining access to a skilled and dedicated workforce. Refugees possess skills that extend beyond survival – they are adept in areas such as digital marketing, online promotions, and various other digital skills. It's time to recognize and harness this potential. By hiring refugees, companies not only enrich their teams with diverse perspectives but also contribute to the empowerment and integration of a marginalized community. Let's build a world where refugees are not just survivors but thriving contributors to society. #RefugeeEmpowerment #HireRefugees #UnlockingPotential #RefugeesHaveSkills

Gebeya Inc. Inc. and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency have launched #BoundlessSkills.com, a digital platform aimed at connecting skilled refugees in Ethiopia 🇪🇹 with potential employers, fostering opportunities within the digital economy. Since its inception in November 2023, the platform has successfully onboarded nearly 300 refugees, showcasing promising early results. Supported by the Ministry Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, this initiative aligns with Ethiopia's commitment to creating economic opportunities for refugees and host communities. Margaret Atieno, UNHCR’s Deputy Representative in Ethiopia, emphasized the importance of integrating forcibly displaced populations into the country's economic sector. With a focus on both technical and non-technical skill sets, the platform caters to a diverse range of professions. Collaborations with organizations like the Refugee Investment Network and the The Amahoro Coalition further enhance the platform's reach and impact. As Ethiopia hosts nearly 1 million refugees and asylum seekers, the Boundless Skills Talent Cloud aims to expand its reach across the continent. Businesses interested in participating can explore opportunities on BoundlessSkills.com, marking a significant step towards leveraging refugee talent and promoting economic inclusion within Ethiopia's digital landscape. #RefugeeOpportunities #DigitalEconomy #SkillsForAll #EthiopianTalent #InclusiveEmployment Read more: https://lnkd.in/dV44XaqU

For many refugees, the ability to return home or safely remain in the country to which they’ve fled is not an option. We help refugees who can’t remain safely where they are to permanently relocate to a safe, new country to rebuild their lives. This can happen in two ways: -Resettlement. For many refugees, the ability to return home or safely remain in the country to which they’ve fled is not an option. We help refugees who can’t remain safely where they are to permanently relocate to a safe, new country to rebuild their lives. -Other pathways to safety. In addition to the millions of refugees in need of resettlement each year, many others are eligible for a variety of other pathways to safety (often referred to collectively as “complementary pathways” to resettlement), including family reunification, labor mobility, sponsorship, and more. In recent years, RefugePoint has been a global leader in developing new programs to help refugees access these visa programs. Visit https://buff.ly/45c47h7 to learn more about this work and our five-year strategy to transform refugee response. Photo: Janet Ouma, Deputy Country Director, Kenya, and Sasha Chanoff, RefugePoint CEO, listen to RefugePoint Resettlement and Economic Mobility teams give an overview presentation highlighting their work.

“If companies open their doors to refugees, they will find out that refugees can be an asset to their business and communities. Therefore, I hope that more companies will introduce integration programs” – Teshome, former refugee and now full-time sales co-worker at IKEA Switzerland (Lyssach). At IKEA Switzerland, we have integrated more than 250 refugees since 2016. Two of them are Teshome and Ftwi, who both completed the refugee integration program and are now working full-time at IKEA Switzerland. They joined us and our IKEA colleagues last week at the Global Refugee Forum and shared their experience. The Global Refugee Forum is a forum initiated by the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, where representatives of states, companies and NGOs come together and discuss how to tackle challenges connected to forcibly displaced people. With over 114 million people and families forced to leave their homes, there is much more that needs to be done. Striving for a world where everyone is treated with dignity and given the opportunity to engage in meaningful work, Ingka - the largest IKEA retailer - renewed the global commitment towards refugees, and wants to integrate 3000 forcibly displaced people in the next 4 years. Learn more about our goal and the impact we aim to make in the lives of those seeking refuge: https://lnkd.in/dzT87XRQ #GlobalRefugeeForum #InclusionMatters #IKEA #IKEASwitzerland