First Global Refugee Forum (GRF)

First Global Refugee Forum (GRF)

Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains II- International Affairs

In News

• The first Global Refugee Forum (GRF), a two-day gathering of United Nations member states, began in Geneva, Switzerland, on December 17th
• The Forum, jointly hosted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the government of Switzerland, 
• Aims to debate and discuss the response of the world’s countries to the global refugee situation.
• The first GRF has been organised around six areas of focus: burden- and responsibility-sharing, education, jobs and livelihoods, energy and infrastructure, solutions, and protection capacity.
• The number of refugees has risen to over 25 million people worldwide
• The GRF will be held every four years at the Ministerial level. 
• It is intended to present an opportunity for UN member states and other stakeholders to announce action plans and pledges towards meeting objectives such as easing the burden on the host country, enhancing refugee self-reliance, expanding access to third-country solutions, and supporting conditions in countries of origin for return in safety and dignity.