introduction:
In November 2023, the Asian Displaced Persons Solutions Platform (ADSP) and the Asia-Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN), with funding from the European Union Humanitarian Assistance (ECHO), will launch an online dialogue on the education of refugee and stateless children. Co-hosted the session. The main objective of this session was to highlight the long-term benefits of inclusive education policies for these vulnerable groups, enabling them to be in a position to actively contribute to and engage with society. That was it. It also aimed to foster a spirit of cooperation among local stakeholders, underscoring the importance of a unified approach to effectively address the educational challenges faced by refugee and stateless children. Education is widely recognized as a fundamental human right, essential not only for individual development but also for societal progress. This right is enshrined in many international treaties, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states that all children, regardless of their status or background, should have the right to education. For refugee and stateless children, education is not just a right, it is a beacon of hope and a tool to shape a more stable and promising future. Education plays a transformative role in the lives of refugee learners. It serves as an anchor, providing a sense of normalcy and stability amidst the chaos and uncertainty that often characterizes their lives. Through education, children acquire not only academic knowledge but also essential life skills that are essential for social integration, personality development, and future independence.
Participants overview
The consultations convened a diverse range of stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations, academic experts, and representatives of refugee communities. Participants brought a variety of perspectives to bear on the educational challenges and opportunities for refugee and stateless children.
Strengthening solutions to forced migration through education
For refugee learners, education is a path to overcome the trauma and dislocation they have experienced. We can provide an environment for healing and growth, nurturing potential and building resilience. Education also equips them with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute meaningfully to their host communities and ultimately to the recovery and development of their home countries should they choose to return home. Furthermore, it may also lead to resettlement, complementary pathways, or integration into the host community. Providing education to refugee and stateless children is therefore both an investment in the future and a solution for displacement. Educated individuals are better able to find employment, contribute economically, and participate actively in society. Securing the educational rights of refugee learners not only upholds their fundamental human rights, but also contributes to building more inclusive, stable and prosperous societies. Education also plays a vital role in the cultural integration of refugee children. Schools can be a platform for children to learn about and interact with the host culture while maintaining and respecting their own cultural identity. This dual engagement fosters a sense of belonging and identity, which is crucial for their psychological well-being and social integration.
