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In advance of World Refugee Day (June 20), the Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies cordially invite you to join a dialogue among experts to recognize the resilience of refugees, the increasing risks they face and solutions for reducing those vulnerabilities.

Under the United Nations 1951 Convention and 1967 Protocols, refugees are entitled to globally agreed upon rights and services, yet current conditions that have led to strained healthcare systems, economic collapse, environmental degradation and social upheaval, leading many countries to stymie migration and curtail even the most basic refugee services for those within their borders. The result is a growing number of persons impacted by COVID-related border closures and vulnerable to both the health and socio-economic impacts of the pandemic.

Despite the challenges, solutions and good practices exist that point toward the possibility of a future world where refugees can safely call new places home and contribute to the health, well-being and solidarity of the communities that embrace them. Private sector efforts to train and employ refugees are proliferating. Social media and other campaign platforms are countering xenophobia to change the narrative around migration, emphasizing all the benefits to society that come from diversity and inclusion.

The Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center, in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, will host this virtual event in honor of World Refugee Day to call attention to the risks refugees now face and share initiatives that are creating an enabling environment for their safety, well-being, prosperity and societal contribution.

This event is part of a new Climate & Migration Dialogue Series, which promotes a positive narrative around migration, refugees and other displaced populations as valuable contributors to  society. These discussions will feature top experts via virtual and in-person events and podcasts, sharing new research and firsthand accounts of migrant and migrant experiences. We will also explore cutting-edge initiatives  to combat xenophobia and improve perceptions around migration and build greater social inclusion for refugee and host communities.  This effort also aims to cultivate a growing community of stakeholders who can inform thinking and advance collective problem-solving in order to build global resilience to migration and climate change.

Opening remarks

Rebecca Scheurer
Director, Humanitarian Initiatives
Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center

Speakers

Kelly T. Clements
Deputy High Commissioner
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Walter Cotte
Regional Director
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the Americas

Mark Bartolini
Founding Director
Climate and Humanitarian Crisis Initiative

Moderated by

Reena Ninan
Journalist