VOICE EU’s Post

📢 Building Stronger Protection and Asylum Systems 📢 🚨 Around the world, conflict, instability, poverty, persecution, and climate change force millions to flee their homes. In Africa, a significant number of countries have been impacted by prolonged and complex conflict, leading many to seek refuge elsewhere, both within their countries and across borders. Around 30 million internally displaced persons, refugees, and asylum-seekers live in Africa, representing almost one-third of the world’s refugee population. 🏠 In part due to the strong links tying communities living near borders, African countries have a long tradition of hospitality towards refugees and asylum-seekers. For instance, Ethiopia and Kenya, and Sudan host very large refugee populations and Uganda, the third largest refugee-hosting country in the world, implements a policy on refugee protection that is widely considered progressive and holistic.     ✅ Strengthening international protection and providing assistance is a key priority of the Africa-EU cooperation of migration and mobility. According to the JVAP Operational Database, between 2016 and 2022 JVAP partners, which include member states and partners of the Rabat Process and Khartoum Process, have implemented over 1.000 initiatives on Protection and Asylum, ranging from project to policy work, totalling €11.1 billion (https://lnkd.in/gMbrndRj). African civil society and other non-state actors are essential for the implementation of these activities and enhancing protection standards across the continent, so let's explore how they contribute! #migration #development #Africa #EU #asylum #protection #civilsociety #africancivilsociety #JVAP 

This week the annual pledging conference of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency took place in Geneva. 'We are living in an era of relentless emergencies. Of #crises without end.', mentioned High Commissioner Filippo Grandi. In the last few months, conflict, persecution, and violence have forced millions to flee their homes – in Sudan, Ukraine, and most recently in Lebanon. Millions more have been displaced for years, decades even, having fled bloodshed and instability, from Myanmar to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and many other places in between. The Netherlands is a longstanding partner of #UNHCR. With our multi-year, unearmarked funding we enable UNHCR to act rapidly in emergencies, ensuring that aid reaches those in need without delays. During the conference we proudly announced our continued support for the successful PROSPECTS programme to empower #refugees and strengthen #communities. Unlike traditional aid models, #PROSPECTS focuses on integrating refugees into national systems—from education and healthcare to labour markets—in the countries where they reside. This way, refugees can contribute to the economy and society, instead of being dependent on humanitarian aid.  Ambassador Paul Bekkers pledged as well on behalf of the Netherlands to financially support UNHCR’s important protection work in North Africa. In the Global Appeal for 2025, UNHCR predicts that the number of forced displacements in 2025 will be around 139 million. In the Appeal, UNHCR describes what they plan to do about it and why the support of the international community is so important. Want to know more? Please read the UNHCR Global Appeal Executive Summary for 2025: https://lnkd.in/dMP_i223

GlobalWA member guest blog from Mercy Corps and Mercy Corps Colombia: Building Hope: Stories of Resilience in the Venezuelan Migration Crisis INTRO Venezuelan migration surged by 8.3% between the end of 2023 and 2024, compelling approximately 402,354 individuals to seek refuge beyond their borders, according to data from the NGO coordination platform for humanitarian response in Colombia. Among these migrants, Colombia emerged as the primary destination, hosting nearly 3 million Venezuelan #migrants and #refugees, as reported by the same NGO platform. In January 2024 alone, 36,001 people traversed the dangerous Darien Gap, marking a 46% increase compared to the previous year, with 60% of these migrants hailing from Venezuela, as documented by Crisis Group Latin America data. This surge underscored the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis unfolding at Colombia’s doorstep. In response to this humanitarian crisis, Mercy Corps intensified its efforts to provide vital support to refugee and migrant populations. Since 2019, Mercy Corps has been at the forefront. Through a range of programs spanning humanitarian assistance, protection, and economic empowerment, Mercy Corps eased the transition for migrant populations, facilitating their integration into Colombian society. Read more, and please share! https://lnkd.in/gxrC6KYS #migrationcrisis #venezuela #colombia #humanitariancrisis #humanitarianresponse #GlobalWAmember

⚠️Low- and middle-income countries bear the brunt of the global refugee crisis, hosting 75% of the world's refugees and displaced individuals.⚠️ Among them, five countries shoulder an astonishing 39% of this population. The Least Developed Countries also provide asylum to 21% of the total refugee population. Despite their socio-economic challenges, these nations offer critical sanctuary to millions fleeing conflict, persecution, and natural disasters. Their resilience is indispensable to global humanitarian efforts, yet their limited resources and infrastructure are under immense strain. This disproportionate burden highlights the urgent need for more equitable international support and collaboration, ensuring these countries can continue to offer refuge and maintain stability within their borders. Data Source: UNHCR #refugees #advocacy #asylumsee # humanrights #speakup

🌍 Displacement Surges Amid Ongoing Sudan Conflict The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has raised the alarm as the number of displaced individuals fleeing war-torn Sudan for neighboring South Sudan sharply increases. In just the past week, over 20,000 individuals have crossed into South Sudan, doubling the daily arrivals compared to previous weeks. This includes South Sudanese refugees who had been living in camps in Sudan's White Nile State, where ongoing clashes between government forces and opposing militias continue to drive instability. 🔴 The Impact on Vulnerable Populations Most of those displaced are women and children, underscoring the devastating toll of conflict on vulnerable groups. UNHCR spokesperson Olga Sarrado noted that while some fled due to immediate violence, others are escaping the uncertainty of what the coming days might bring. “Our teams—UNHCR and partners—are on the ground, but from a humanitarian aid perspective, the situation is extremely concerning,” she stated. 🚨 Urgent Humanitarian Needs New arrivals at both formal border crossings like Joda and remote informal sites require critical life-saving assistance. Water and healthcare remain top priorities, especially as the region battles an ongoing cholera outbreak. At the Wang & Tangang Foundation, we stand in solidarity with displaced communities and call for swift global action to address this escalating humanitarian crisis. Together, we can ensure dignity and safety for those affected. #RefugeeCrisis #SudanConflict #HumanitarianAid #SDG3 #SDG6 #SDG16

In Africa, global trends show, that the root causes of displacement are human rights violations, risk of persecution, conflict, poor governance and loss of livelihoods...The report by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHRC): Global Trends: Forced Displacement in 2023, shows that, overall, the world has reported 117.3 million people as displaced. The number could rise to 124 million “as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order.” And Africa has contributed the biggest number of displacements in the past year, even though it has fewer conflicts now compared to 20 years ago...Globally, there are some 43.4 million refugees including 31.6 million directly under UNHCR protection. But that is half the picture. Most of the people forced to leave their homes may remain within their country. The world now has 68.3 million Internally Displaced People (IDPs). That means one in five people are displaced, and most live in poor countries. https://lnkd.in/gpTk9zDT

In Africa, global trends show, that the root causes of displacement are human rights violations, risk of persecution, conflict, poor governance and loss of livelihoods...The report by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHRC): Global Trends: Forced Displacement in 2023, shows that, overall, the world has reported 117.3 million people as displaced. The number could rise to 124 million “as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order.” And Africa has contributed the biggest number of displacements in the past year, even though it has fewer conflicts now compared to 20 years ago...Globally, there are some 43.4 million refugees including 31.6 million directly under UNHCR protection. But that is half the picture. Most of the people forced to leave their homes may remain within their country. The world now has 68.3 million Internally Displaced People (IDPs). That means one in five people are displaced, and most live in poor countries. https://lnkd.in/gaTEXSdZ

In Africa, global trends show, that the root causes of displacement are human rights violations, risk of persecution, conflict, poor governance and loss of livelihoods...The report by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHRC): Global Trends: Forced Displacement in 2023, shows that, overall, the world has reported 117.3 million people as displaced. The number could rise to 124 million “as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order.” And Africa has contributed the biggest number of displacements in the past year, even though it has fewer conflicts now compared to 20 years ago...Globally, there are some 43.4 million refugees including 31.6 million directly under UNHCR protection. But that is half the picture. Most of the people forced to leave their homes may remain within their country. The world now has 68.3 million Internally Displaced People (IDPs). That means one in five people are displaced, and most live in poor countries. https://lnkd.in/gaTEXSdZ

In Africa, global trends show, that the root causes of displacement are human rights violations, risk of persecution, conflict, poor governance and loss of livelihoods...The report by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHRC): Global Trends: Forced Displacement in 2023, shows that, overall, the world has reported 117.3 million people as displaced. The number could rise to 124 million “as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order.” And Africa has contributed the biggest number of displacements in the past year, even though it has fewer conflicts now compared to 20 years ago...Globally, there are some 43.4 million refugees including 31.6 million directly under UNHCR protection. But that is half the picture. Most of the people forced to leave their homes may remain within their country. The world now has 68.3 million Internally Displaced People (IDPs). That means one in five people are displaced, and most live in poor countries. https://lnkd.in/gaTEXSdZ

GlobalWA member guest blog from Mercy Corps and Mercy Corps Colombia: Building Hope: Stories of Resilience in the Venezuelan Migration Crisis INTRO Venezuelan migration surged by 8.3% between the end of 2023 and 2024, compelling approximately 402,354 individuals to seek refuge beyond their borders, according to data from the NGO coordination platform for humanitarian response in Colombia. Among these migrants, Colombia emerged as the primary destination, hosting nearly 3 million Venezuelan #migrants and #refugees, as reported by the same NGO platform. In January 2024 alone, 36,001 people traversed the dangerous Darien Gap, marking a 46% increase compared to the previous year, with 60% of these migrants hailing from Venezuela, as documented by Crisis Group Latin America data. This surge underscored the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis unfolding at Colombia’s doorstep. In response to this humanitarian crisis, Mercy Corps intensified its efforts to provide vital support to refugee and migrant populations. Since 2019, Mercy Corps has been at the forefront. Through a range of programs spanning humanitarian assistance, protection, and economic empowerment, Mercy Corps eased the transition for migrant populations, facilitating their integration into Colombian society. Read more, and please share! https://lnkd.in/gxrC6KYS #migrationcrisis #venezuela #colombia #humanitariancrisis #humanitarianresponse #GlobalWAmember