International Policy Network

RCOA’s International Policy Network (IPN) was formed in 2009 to create opportunities for international networks and cooperation. The key focus areas of the International Policy Network include Australia’s engagement with UNHCR, issues in the Asia-Pacific region and development and humanitarian aid for refugees and displaced people.

The Network meets in the lead-up to major international meetings on refugee issues, specifically UNHCR’s Executive Committee and Standing Committee meetings, UNHCR’s annual consultations with NGOs and the Annual Tripartite Consultation on Resettlement. The Network also examines opportunities for engagement with other UN bodies and looks at how members can build on their networks with Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) and the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID).

The International Policy Network includes members of the Australian Refugee Rights Alliance (RCOA, the University of New South Wales' Centre for Refugee Research, Amnesty International Australia and the Settlement Council of Australia) and other organisations concerned with international refugee protection issues and engagement with UN bodies.

IPN activities in 2010

During 2010, the network focused on planning for UNHCR’s Standing Committee meeting, annual NGO Consultations and Annual Tripartite Consultations on Resettlement, held in Geneva in June and July. Network members discussed key issues to be taken up at the meetings and developed briefing papers and background material to support collective engagement efforts. The network also sought and received submissions from refugee communities and agencies working with refugees on issues of concern to be raised at key meetings, using this feedback to inform our advocacy work.

IPN members also coordinated the involvement of three refugee community representatives in the meetings. Three representatives were recruited to highlight issues raised by refugee diasporas in Australia about refugee needs in Africa, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific and voice concerns raised by refugees in those regions. The three chosen delegates were Parsuram Sharma-Luital (Bhutanese community, Melbourne), representing the Asia-Pacific; Endalketchew Gage (Ethiopian community, Melbourne), representing Africa; and Deena Yako (Iraqi community, Sydney), representing the Middle East.

The three selected delegates, along with RCOA board member Dr Melika Sheikh-Eldin, performed well as a highly effective team of advocates in Geneva. The concerns they raised included the impact of protracted displacement in camps in Africa and Asia, gender-based violence and exploitation, family reunion concerns, detention and international access to refugee status determination and engaed in dialogue with UNHCR about the needs of particular groups of neglected refugees and asylum seekers. UNHCR’s Asia bureau deputy director Pascale Moreau and Assistant High Commissioner Erika Feller both thanked the Australian delegation for its approach to supporting refugee leadership, with Ms Moreau noting that it was rare for UNHCR to hear the voices of refugee leaders at meetings in Geneva.

For further information, see Advocacy with UNHCR

Join the International Policy Network

Membership of the Network is open to individuals and organisations who are actively involved in advocacing on refugee issues at an international level. Members of the Refugee Council of Australia can participate free of charge. If your organisation is interested in joining the International Policy Network, please contact us.