Dear colleagues and partners,
For decades, host countries and refugee organizations have called for more equitable responses to refugee situations and for action to address the root causes of forced displacement.
Since the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) was affirmed nearly seven years ago, the number of people forcibly displaced worldwide has nearly doubled, and financial resources have become more strained and uncertain.
Now more than ever, greater financial and material support is needed for refugee-hosting countries, along with expanded resettlement and complementary pathways for refugees, as well as stronger support to countries of origin to enable safe and dignified returns.
In this increasingly complex environment, the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) remains a crucial platform for collective action. It enables the international community to make concrete commitments, mobilize resources, and take stock of progress. Since its affirmation in 2018, two editions of the Global Refugee Forum have been held, generating over 3,300 pledges, and two GCR indicator reports have been published. The GCR continues to serve as a key framework for more effective and sustainable responses to forced displacement.
The key question is: What impact is the GCR having on the lives of the millions of people who are forcibly displaced and stateless?
Throughout this year, we will explore this question in a series of articles showcasing the progress made towards each of the GCR objectives, including through regional and multi-stakeholder partnerships. We will highlight how these partnerships are delivering not only for refugees and their host communities but are also contributing to a safer, more stable world for all.
As many of you know, this growing momentum towards realizing the GCR will culminate at the end of the year in the second High-Level Officials Meeting (HLOM). This key stock-taking moment, occurring at the midpoint between each Global Refugee Forum, will be convened following the release of the new GCR Indicator Report.
This meeting will be a defining moment to reaffirm our international solidarity with stateless persons, refugees, and their host communities, helping set the course towards the next Global Refugee Forum in 2027. Preparations for the HLOM were kicked off on 10 March at the first preparatory meeting in Geneva, the recording and summary note of which are available online.
In the coming months, we look forward to further achievements and the accelerated implementation of pledges ahead of the HLOM.
Ruven Menikdiwela
Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, UNHCR
