Attending Meaningful Refugee Participation Training by APNOR

On March 6, 2024, our partner organisation,  the New Myanmar Foundation, represented by Technical Advisor and a Youth Empowerment member, attended the Meaningful Refugee Participation Training organized by the Asia-Pacific Network of Refugees (APNOR). The training, led by Najeeba, co-founder of APNOR and the Global Refugee-Led Network, emphasized the importance of refugee involvement in decision-making processes affecting their lives. The curriculum, based on insights from non-refugee stakeholders, focused on understanding refugee participation, identifying barriers, and fostering ongoing learning. Discussions covered the significance of meaningful refugee participation, barriers encountered, and strategies to address these barriers, introducing tools like the Refugee Participation Scorecard and self-assessment guidelines. Facilitators Dhafur Seif, Bakir, and Nibras Atan, all with refugee backgrounds, shared their expertise. Participants from various refugee and migration backgrounds highlighted their excitement for the training and their inclusion work. The session received positive feedback and included discussions on refugee participation challenges, particularly in Bangladesh’s largest refugee camp, emphasizing the need for policy changes.

The training stressed the active inclusion of refugees in decision-making, leadership, and advocacy roles, addressing barriers such as employment, language issues, funding limitations, and security concerns. Compensation for refugee expertise and security measures were highlighted. Legal and language barriers were discussed, advocating for policy reform and protection of refugee rights. The example of STARS, a refugee-led organization, underscored the importance of refugee involvement in decision-making. The training introduced tools like the Personal Development Plan and Refugee Meaningful Participation Index to enhance participation initiatives. The session concluded with a Q&A, where Najeeba addressed queries about the index and collaboration opportunities, reaffirming APNOR’s commitment to transparency, accountability, diversity, and inclusivity in decision-making processes. Overall, the training provided valuable insights into enhancing refugee participation, fostering inclusive decision-making, and empowering refugee communities, with APNOR dedicated to promoting meaningful participation and collaboration for positive change.