Local government constituency sends statement to UNHCR, co-host and co-conveners of the 2023 Global Refugee Forum
On the 6th of March, the local and regional government (LRG) constituency conveyed a statement to the Global Refugee Forum Coordinator, Mr Arafat Jamal, as well as to the Member State co-host and co-conveners of the Forum with key asks regarding participation, preparation and programming.
Drafted by the Mayors Mechanism partners and the Global Task Force of Local and Regional Governments, and endorsed by the Geneva Cities Hub and Cities Alliance, the Statement provides 5 recommendations:
To design the GRF modalities for participation so that they allow for LRG registration in their own capacity as distinct from national government, civil society and other stakeholders.
To call on Member States to consult with LRGs and their networks ahead of the GRF and submit joint pledges and call on UNHCR to foster pledge matching between LRG pledges and those of others.
To create meaningful opportunities for exchange between LRGs and Member States, UN Agencies and others throughout the high-level Programme, such as speaking opportunities for LRGs in the plenary and thematic dialogues, as was successfully done in the 2022 International Migration Review Forum.
To actively encourage Member States to invite LRGs as part of their national delegation to the GRF.
To dedicate a specific spotlight session in the GRF Programme to the Call to Local Action for Migrants and Refugees, which will elevate the new 2023 local pledges, as well provide space for a strategic discussion amongst LRGs, Member States and others on how to leverage the true potential of LRGs in future GCR implementation.