Emmanuel OchayiThe International Labour Organization (ILO) pressed governments worldwide to prioritize employment creation for refugees and host communities as a vital pathway to safeguarding their futures and fostering self-sufficiency.
This call was made at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum held recently.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelWhile stating that 110 million individuals were forcibly displaced globally in mid-2023, of which 36.4 million were refugees, the ILO emphasized the urgent need to address this burgeoning crisis by intertwining humanitarian efforts with developmental and peace-building strategies.
A key outcome of the forum was the formation of a Multistakeholder Pledge on Economic Inclusion and Social Protection, spearheaded by the Refugee Self-Reliance Initiative and backed by influential nations like Denmark, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, the USA, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in Eastern Africa.
Among these efforts, the Netherlands pledged €800 million towards the second phase of the partnership for improving prospects for forcibly displaced persons and host communities (PROSPECTS), signaling a collaborative initiative uniting various international organizations such as the ILO, UNHCR, UNICEF, the World Bank, and the International Finance Corporation.
Mia Seppo, the ILO Assistant Director-General, stressed the necessity of a holistic approach to job creation, encompassing market access, enterprise development, financial inclusion, skills enhancement, and social protection.
The ILO reiterated its commitment, alongside 50 UN Country Teams and 32 UN agencies, to ensure access to decent work for refugees and advocated for a departure from isolated efforts towards comprehensive and unified action.
Manuela Tomei, another ILO Assistant Director-General, underscored the imperative of enhancing refugee inclusion within the workforce and reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to creating an inclusive and accessible world of work for all.
Furthermore, the ILO emphasized the need to address the specific challenges faced by women, youth, and persons with disabilities among refugee and host communities. At the forum, the organization unveiled a compelling photo exhibition illustrating the strides made in enhancing self-reliance and resilience within these communities, showcasing the ILO’s steadfast commitment to promoting inclusive socio-economic growth and decent work for all constituents involved.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
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