In December 2025, governments, civil society organisations, private sector leaders and around 300 refugee representatives gathered in Geneva for the Global Refugee Forum Progress Review. Held midway between the four-yearly forums, the Progress Review is a critical moment to assess whether global commitments to refugee protection are being delivered, where gaps remain and what must change.
At the 2023 Global Refugee Forum, more than 3,470 pledges were made to support countries hosting large refugee populations and to expand durable solutions, including resettlement and complementary pathways. The 2025 Progress Review provided an opportunity to measure progress against those pledges and to renew global responsibility-sharing at a time of growing displacement worldwide.
Global Refugee Forum Progress Review priorities
Supporting | Tracking 3,470 | Focusing effort |
Ensuring | Holding governments accountable for the promises they made in 2023 | Identifying gaps and pushing for action where protection is falling short |
Over three days, RCOA participated in formal sessions, strategic dialogues and side events, with a strong focus on expanding complementary pathways and ensuring refugees have a meaningful role in decisions that affect their lives.
The forum took place against a challenging global backdrop. Significant cuts to international aid and development funding, including to UNHCR, shaped many discussions, alongside concerns about declining resettlement places worldwide and the absence of some major global actors, such as the USA.
Across the forum, governments and refugee-hosting countries reaffirmed that resettlement must remain a needs-based, life-saving protection tool, while also recognising the growing role of complementary pathways such as labour mobility, education and family reunion.
Several refugee-hosting countries emphasised a simple but urgent truth that increasing human suffering does not stop migration.
Refugees must be at the centre of any solutions.
Filippo Grandi, outgoing UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Maìyafuìnor Collaborative Network, speaking on the Rohingya crisis.
RCOA also worked closely with Rohingya community members and civil society partners to ensure the ongoing crisis facing Rohingya refugees, particularly those in Cox’s Bazar, remained firmly on the agenda. The Strategic Dialogue on the Rohingya highlighted the urgent need for sustained international action and a pathway to safe, dignified solutions.
With your support, RCOA will continue to honour its pledges by advocating for expanded complementary pathways and supporting meaningful refugee participation at every level of decision-making.
Your support made it possible for RCOA to be present at the forum as part of the Australian delegation, ensuring refugee voices were heard in global decision-making.
