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59.5 million forcibly displaced as a result of persecution, conflict, generalized violence and human rights violations 14.4 million refugees under UNHCR’s protection 38.2 million IDPs 51% of all refugees are under 18 Over 4 million Syrian refugees in host countries in the region (1 st October 2015) Forced displacement in 2014
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Higher education for refugees:Good practices from the DAFI programme
“Strengthening Delivery of Higher Education to Refugees”Istanbul, Turkey
6 October 2015
UNHCR’S mandate
Under the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees:
UNHCR’s mandate is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees •Ensuring protection for people of concern•Providing for basic needs•Finding durable solutions
59.5 million forcibly displaced as a result of persecution, conflict, generalized violence and human rights violations14.4 million refugees under UNHCR’s protection38.2 million IDPs51% of all refugees are under 18
Over 4 million Syrian refugees in host countries in the region (1st October 2015)
Forced displacement in 2014
UNHCR Education Strategy 2012-2016
Action 4: More young people will follow higher education courses
Kenya/UNHCR/R. Gangale/May 2010
Contribution of higher education
• Globally, less than 1% of refugees have access to higher education opportunities and demand is rapidly increasing
• Higher education for refugees serves individuals, communities and societies Professional development and self-reliance Reinforced protection of children and young people Skill-sets necessary for solutions to refugee situations Peaceful co-existence between refugee and host communities
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DAFI scholarship programme
• Initiated and primarily funded by Germany, complemented by private donors, implemented by UNHCR since 1992
• Sustainable growth: 2,240 scholarships for refugees in 41 host countries in 2014
• TOP-5 subjects of study: business & commerce, medical & health, pedagogics, engineering, mathematics & IT
• Largest student populations: Afghans, Somali, Congolese, Sudanese, Syrians
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DAFI for Syrian refugees
• DAFI has rapidly scaled up access for Syrian refugees: from 34 students in 2013 to 144 students in 2014
• New country programmes in Lebanon and Turkey since 2014, expanded programmes in Jordan and Egypt
• 200 new scholarships for Syrians in 2015
• Demonstration of high demand: 5,800 applications for 70 scholarships in Turkey in 2015
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Connected/ blended learning
• Combination of online and onsite learning adapted to refugee contexts (urban, camp-based)– Flexibility in programmes
• Expanding and diversifying access to accredited higher education within refugee communities – Complementary approach to scholarships
• Jordan: English and IT classes in Amman by JC-HEM
• UNHCR’s engagement in operational partnerships: towards a consortium of connected learning partners
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Good practices
• Clear selection criteria & diverse student cohorts– Reach-out to refugee communities, management of expectations
• Investment in broad partnerships– Governments, academic institutions, NGOs, refugee committees
• Established student support throughout the programme– Creation of student and graduate networks, peer support
• Perspectives beyond studies and the programme– Education and protection response, professional development
• Ensuring broader benefits for refugee communities– Volunteering as part of the scholarship, guidance to students
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Considerations on scholarships for refugees
• Protection and legal status of refugee students– Clarity in legal status of utmost importance– Right to work, prospects after graduation?– Communication with government offices and other actors
• Sustainability of scholarships– Coverage of whole degree cycle
• Language, academic and psychosocial support– Integration into social networks
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Regional Context
• Access to higher education important in the region– Providing meaningful education opportunities for youth– Reducing economic vulnerability– Improving livelihoods– Contributing to protection of young people and of their
communities
• Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (2015 – 2016)– USD 455 million for education, including higher ed needs for
11,000 refugees
• Increased Scholarships (COA and third countries)– Complement education and protection strategies– Preserve protection space for refugees in the region
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Considerations
• Initiatives outside UNHCR should consider:– Protection and safety of refugee students– Requisite precautions to “do no harm”– Lead to durable solutions
• Coordination (with protection and education mechanisms) - key to avoid unintended consequences e.g. jeopardizing protection of students including legal status
• Principle of long term support – full course of study to complete certification
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Considerations
• Country of Asylum– Capacity building of local higher education institutions– Necessary support to integrate into the academic environment
for social cohesion
• Third Countries– Protection against situations of expiry of residency, destitution or
forced return as a result of studying abroad– Close coordination with national authorities on legal status,
lawful travel, asylum procedures, work placements etc.
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Questions and comments?The floor is open for discussion!
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