As part of the 2024 Consultation on Resettlement and Complementary Pathways (CRCP), MYAN was invited to host a site visit on youth settlement in Australia. The CRCP (formerly known as the Annual Tripartite Consultations on Resettlement, or ATCR) is the most important multilateral forum for UNHCR, States, NGOs, private sector representatives, academics and refugees to come together to discuss and advance resettlement issues of common interest.
In 2023, Australia took over from Ireland as the country chair of the CRCP. The Government of Australia, represented by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), is the State Chair and the Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) is the NGO Co-Chair.
MYAN’s site visit showcased a dynamic day filled with informative panels, thought-provoking discussions, and the inspiring stories of young people, who shared their experiences with youth settlement in Australia, emphasised the significant impact of programs delivered by MYAN partners across various states and territories. Noteworthy programs highlighted included Shout Out, UCAN2 and Seat at the Table programs from the Centre for Multicultural Youth, the Peer2peer program from MYAN NSW and the Reconnect Program from Melaleuca Australia.
The site visit provided a platform to underscore the importance of a targeted approach to youth settlement, recognising the distinct needs of young individuals from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
Attendees from Australia and an array of international delegations from countries such as Aotearoa New Zealand, Brazil, the United States of America, Ireland, Norway, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada gathered to exchange insights and best practices in supporting youth settlement efforts. This collaborative event served as a valuable opportunity to promote awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by young migrants and refugees, and to foster global cooperation in addressing their needs effectively.
Grace Edward – YCDC Co-Chair, Rana Ebrahimi – MYAN National Manager, Daniel Gamboa – CEO of New Zealand National Refugee Council, Bellamore Ndayikeze – Refugee Advocate and Seat at the Table Graduate.
MYAN had a strong presence during the CRCP plenary sessions, with various representatives taking the stage alongside notable advocates. Rana Ebrahimi, MYAN’s National Manager, shared the platform with youth advocate Daniel Gambao and Grace Edward, co-chair of the Youth CALD Disability Collective (YCDC) for a panel on Disability, Settlement and Integration. The discussions covered a range of topics including programs and initiatives for those with complex health needs and the importance of incorporating refugee youth voices in governance structures. Bellamore Ndayikeze from Perth WA highlighted the significance of building responsive and inclusive service systems for young people during the panel sessions.
MYAN is grateful to Refugee Council of Australia, Australian Department of Home Affairs, and UNHCR for their support and MYAN would like to express gratitude to the panelists including Aisha Mahdi, Mamuch Chuol, Sohaila Rahimi, Jamila Alarkan, Afia Azam, Farah Askar, Bellamore Ndayikeze, and Lal Ro Chan, as well as our NSW partner MYAN NSW for contributing to the success of the event. Collaboration with our partners Melaleuca Australia, Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania, Centre for Multicultural Youth, Multicultural Youth Queensland (SSI), Youth Affairs Council of WA also played a significant role in organising this impactful event.
“It felt really empowering to be there as a young person speaking to decision-makers…to know that our lived experience is valued and considered as expertise to impact future projects and programs”
– Sohaila Rahimi, CRCP Youth Settlement Panelist and UCAN2 recipient.