Summary Report: Regional Strategic Dialogue on Refugee and Stateless Children Education – World

Introduction:

In November 2023, the Asia Displacement Solutions Platform (ADSP) and the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN), with financial assistance from EU Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), co-hosted an online dialogue session on refugee and stateless children education. The session’s primary aim was to underline 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. Moreover, the aim was also to foster a collaborative spirit among regional stakeholders, emphasising the importance of unified efforts to effectively address the educational challenges faced by refugee and stateless children. Education is universally acknowledged as a fundamental human right, vital not only for individual development but also for the progress of societies. This right is enshrined in numerous international conventions, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which asserts that every child should have access to education irrespective of their status or background. For refugee and stateless children, education is not just a right but a beacon of hope and a tool for shaping 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 characterise their lives. Through education, children can acquire not only academic knowledge but also essential life skills, which are crucial for their social integration, personality development and future self-reliance.

Overview of Participants

The consultation convened a diverse array of stakeholders, encompassing experts from non-governmental organisations, academia, and representatives from refugee communities. The participants brought forth varied perspectives on the educational challenges and opportunities for refugee and stateless children.

Enhancing Solutions to Displacement Through Education

For refugee learners, education is a pathway to overcoming the trauma and dislocation they have experienced. It offers an environment for healing and growth, allowing them to nurture their potential and develop resilience. Education also equips them with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute meaningfully to their host communities and, eventually, to the reconstruction and development of their home countries, should they choose to return. Moreover, it may also lead to resettlement, complementary pathways or integration in the host communities. The provision of education to refugee and stateless children is, therefore, an investment in the future and solutions to displacement. Educated individuals are better equipped to find employment, contribute economically, and participate actively in society. Securing the educational rights of refugee learners not only upholds their basic human rights but also contributes to creating more inclusive, stable, and prosperous societies. Education also plays a pivotal role in the cultural integration of refugee children. Schools can be platforms where these children learn about and engage with the culture of their host countries while preserving and respecting their own cultural identities. This dual engagement fosters a sense of belonging and identity, which is crucial for their psychological well-being and social integration.