Platform for Undocumented Migrants (PICUM)’s Post

Refugee Realities: The Quest for Integration and Equal Treatment Before this summer, I come across one of the European Space Agency short programs that was very interested and aligned to my study and profession. Without losing time, I checked the criteria if I meet to apply for this opportunity. I read carefuly and met all the criteria, except being the citizen of one of the European countries. Being as a refugee in Italy and studying at one of its top university, I thought still there should not be a problem. I tried to reach out the HR email and explained my situation and if possible to enrol for the program and see if I can get the chance to get in to the program. But, it did not work and the HR explicitly told me that there is no chance for refugees, and you can not join as a refugee. You have to be first citizen of one of the European countries. I noticed another similar restriction when earlier this year participated a job open day at our university campus, and I approached a stall about the Veneto region public office jobs. When I asked about the information, the first question I was asked was, what is your nationality. I told them I am a refgugee here and I speak well Italian and I am interested to join public offices if I can. The answer was negative and I could not even participate in the competition to prove myself. When you become a refugee in a country, you feel obliged to learn the langauge and work hard and kind of pay back for the country that give you refuge and recognise the basic human rights and therefore you expect to fully integrate the society and take part in any kind of developmental and realted activities to give back to the new society and make diffirence. I still do not understand when the countries grant refugee status for the people who meet the criteria, but still treat differently until they become a citizens. Commonly speaking, it is not making sense for refugees like me who expect to work for the new country and work hard and pay back for the society but faces such differences that really do not make sense. Of course, I do not intend to complain. Just share my personal thoughts now living in a democratic and somehow ideal society. You could say, there are much more that people like me could be grateful for in the new society. Are you a refugee and treated differently in new society, share your experiences and let us know more. #UNHCR #Refugee

Want to alert a friend or colleague? Tag them! Disclaimer: This is not The Humanitarian’s opportunity. To apply, use the link(s) provided. 🚨 Call for Applications: Refugees International’s Refugee Fellows Program 🚨 Location: International Organization: Refugees International Type: Fellowship Application Deadline: June 5, 2024 Overview: Refugees International is now accepting applications for the second cohort of its Refugee Fellows Program, set to start in July 2024. This year-long fellowship enriches and supports the advocacy efforts of refugee leaders around the world, equipping them with the necessary tools and resources to amplify the perspectives of refugees and displaced individuals and drive meaningful change in their communities. Key Features: Formal affiliation with Refugees International. Collaboration with staff on various advocacy initiatives, including reports, opinion pieces, events, research trips, and direct engagement with policymakers. Participation in peer-to-peer learning and formal and informal training sessions with advocacy and communications professionals. Who Should Apply: Individuals with personal experiences of forced displacement. Emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds committed to advocating for displaced people’s rights and safety. 📧 For more details and to apply, visit: https://lnkd.in/gN69UjQC The Humanitarian can assist in customizing your application and aligning your experience to this fellowship. For assistance, inbox The Humanitarian. Follow us at The Humanitarian for humanitarian opportunities, news, and more. Not the perfect opportunity for you? Sharing this opportunity may be The Humanitarian thing to do. You can always link someone to their next breakthrough. Relevant Hashtags: #TheHumanitarian #GlobalHumanitarian #SocialImpact #InclusiveHumanitarian #HumanitarianInnovation #SustainableDevelopment #HumanitarianCollaboration #TransparencyInAction #EnvironmentalStewardship #CommunityEmpowerment

Will Shirika Plan work better for refugees? Or will it turn into Shirika Play? Recently, I encountered a situation that left me questioning the fairness of job opportunities for refugees in Kakuma Refugee Camp. I applied for a job vacancy and was initially shortlisted for an interview after submitting my CV and portfolio. Everything seemed promising until I received a phone call from 'Mrs. Recruiter', the recruiter handling the process. He confirmed the interview date but then asked, "Are you a refugee?" When I confirmed that I was, the tone changed. He apologized and informed me that the position was reserved exclusively for Kenyans, adding that my name had confused him, which led to me being shortlisted. This experience raised serious concerns about the transparency and inclusivity of the hiring process. Are refugees being fairly considered based on their skills and qualifications, or are hidden biases at play? I believe it’s time to address these issues openly. Refugees with the right qualifications should have equal access to job opportunities, without barriers based on status or name. This isn't just my story it's a reality that many refugees face, and it must change. Nanduri Sateesh, as the HSO of Kakuma Refugee Camp Sub Office, I urge you to step in and ensure that the Shirika Plan truly works for the benefit of both refugees and host and doesn't turn into Shirika Play. Let’s build a fairer system for all. #RefugeeRights #EqualOpportunities #ShirikaPlan #FairHiring #KakumaCamp #AdvocacyForChange UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency HIAS Kenya United Nations UN Women Universe Movers And Relocations United Nations Human Rights United Nations Human Rights The Danish Institute for Human Rights - International Activities United Nations Office at Geneva KALOBEYEI INITIATIVE 4 BETTER LIFE Danish Refugee Council / Dansk Flygtningehjælp Nanduri Sateesh Solidarity Initiative for Refugees (SIR)

Grant opportunity: Strengthening Multicultural Queensland: Multicultural Projects Open now4; closes 12/11/24; up to $100,000; Qld Eligible applicants can apply for one-off funding for projects to be delivered from 1 July 2025 across a two-year period to 30 June 2027. There are two categories for project funding under each funding round: -Category 1 – Empowering Multicultural Community Projects -Category 2 – Youth and Community Connection Projects Eligibility: You are eligible to apply if you have an organisation based in Queensland with an active ABN and one of the following: -Not-for-profit/charitable organisation legally registered in Australia -Local Government body -State School P&C Association -Charitable institution established through specific legislation -Queensland University If you'd like grant writing tips to consider for your application, I publish these each week in my '3-2-1 Grants eNews' which is shared here on LinkedIn...head to my profile to read them and subscribe. In addition to the eNews, I have other free resources and a range of paid services to help you to be successful with grants. #pruesgold #grants #grantwriting

Eugene K. Poma will be there too ❗I will never stop fighting for Immigrants❗ Journey Home Community is hosting an Orientation on Sat, Nov 16, 2024 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM PST entitled ''Love Without Borders: Welcoming Refugee Claimants Orientation'' This basic orientation will include : 1 ) An overview of who we are at Journey Home - our history, mission, vision and values. 2 ) Who qualifies as a "refugee claimant" and Canadian refugee pathways. 3 ) What is mental wellness in mutually transformative relationships. 4 ) A Refugee Story: hear from a member of our community as they detail their own journey. 5 ) Cross cultural understandings: learn about how different cultures relate to one another. 6 ) Mutually-transformative relationships: volunteerism, boundaries and cross-cultural relationships. This is the first step in entering into community with members of Journey Home's refugee community. Join Journey Home Community for a fun-filled, interactive day of learning: - 9:00am - Registration and morning refreshments (coffee, tea and light breakfast) - 9:15am - Orientation Begins - 12:00pm - Catered Lunch - 3:00pm - Orientation Ends Registration Deadline: Registration will close on Friday, September 13 at 10am so we can make sure we have prepared enough materials and food for the training event. To register for the event, here is the link : https://lnkd.in/gtjKSmYu

We are fast approaching Refugee Week 2024 (June 17th - 23rd) 🎉 This year we're starting a refugee employment forum to give business leaders and refugees the opportunity to ask questions and learn from others. A powerful way to break down barriers and open up opportunities. 👉 Save the link to the forum (live on the 17th June): https://loom.ly/ARWlQyE Your answers to questions on the forum could help bring about change. For refugees, this means learning valuable insights from anyone who works in the UK. And for business leaders, it means learning from refugees to create more inclusive and refugee-friendly workplaces. Anyone with a job in the UK and/or who is from a refugee background should be able to answer some, or all, of the questions. It doesn't matter what you do, what level you're at, or the industry you work in - everyone will have something to offer. 💙 #RefugeeWeek #BusinessBehindRefugees

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

In a context where the line separating detention and reception is becoming more and more blurred, where the collective response of Europe in the face of people seeking protection is to segregate them, literally, at the borders of our societies, I am very proud to be able to present this Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Europe vision on "Hospitality-driven Reception". We strongly believe that another way is possible, a way of providing reception that empowers people and allows for meaningful encounters between newcomers and the local community, a way in which we accompany people to navigate their procedures and become parts of ours societies or, when this is the outcome, also be ready to think about a truly dignified and sustainable return. It might sound like sci-fi in the current discussions, but it is not only possible, it would also be more feasible and efficient than most of the "innovative ideas" launched these days. Help us spreading the word!

The Power of Protection: Homayoon's Story My decision to seek international protection was driven by the escalating security situation in Afghanistan. I was working with an Irish international organisation, experienced constant fear, and narrowly escaped several dangerous ambushes. I was forced to leave behind my family, job, and homeland to seek asylum in Ireland. Upon arriving in Ireland in 2016, I faced restrictions preventing me from the right to access the labour market. I began volunteering with Places of Sanctuary Ireland and the Edmund Rice International Heritage Centre, teaching English and computer classes to fellow asylum seekers, migrants, and refugees. I’m now working with Schools of Sanctuary Ireland, an organisation that promotes a culture of welcome, safety, and inclusion for all, especially for refugees and asylum seekers in Ireland. My time in Direct Provision was marked by adversity. Dealing with high blood pressure and the weight of uncertain circumstances. I grappled with limited food choices and a lack of control over my own diet. With just a meagre weekly allowance, I relied on personal savings to ensure access to healthier food options. Despite gaining refugee status in 2017, I encountered difficulties finding housing due to the stringent requirements of landlords. The absence of landlord references, bank statements, and other documentation posed significant barriers. These challenges led to fear and uncertainty about being able to reunite with my family, who remained in Afghanistan under dangerous conditions. Fortunately, my perseverance paid off when I secured a full-time job through the Irish Refugee Council's refugee employment schemes in Dublin. This employment opportunity not only provided stability but also enabled me to secure a rental place in Dublin, open a bank account, and initiate the process of bringing my family to safety in Ireland. This turning point marked a significant step towards my integration into Irish society. My message to fellow individuals and organisations dedicated to supporting refugees and international protection applicants is one of encouragement and gratitude. To refugees and asylum seekers, self-care, connections with local communities, and active engagement in volunteer work are important. By sharing skills, expertise, and personal experiences, refugees can foster understanding and mutual support while waiting for their asylum applications to be processed. It is important to educate children about Ireland's history of seeking refuge in times of hardship to foster empathy and understanding among future generations. Read More Stories: https://lght.ly/63jkd2m Homayoon Shirzad

5 challenges you may face as a refugee in Norway: • The overwhelming pressure to speak #Norwegian before you can even think about contributing to society. It can be isolating and discouraging, and feel like a lot of pressure. • Being put into the same box, labeled as a refugee, assuming all refugees are the same! It might feel as though your individuality is being taken away. You’re not just a “#refugee”; you have a story and a uniqueness that matters! • Getting pushed into low-skill jobs despite having years of experience and qualifications. It’s frustrating to feel like your hard work doesn’t count here. • Struggling to find resources because they often aren’t available in multiple languages. It shouldn’t be that hard to get the support you need! • Facing a reluctance from others to engage in conversations about #bias and #discrimination. We need to talk about these issues openly, not sweep them under the rug! But through Recruit Refugees, I am committed to: • Advocating for your skills and experiences, no matter what your current level of Norwegian might be. • Recognizing you as an individual with #unique talents, not just a label. • Connecting you with job opportunities that truly match your qualifications. • Providing accessible, #multilingual resources so you can find the support you need. • Fostering open conversations about #inclusion and #diversity, ensuring everyone feels seen and valued. We are here for you, comment with questions!