Background

Seldom consulted, frequently overlooked, and often unable to fully participate in decision making, the talents, energy, and potential of Refugee Youth—young people aged 15-24 years old—remain largely untapped. In more than 50 national and sub-national consultations held in 22 countries, participants across regions emphasized that refugee youth want the same things that young people want everywhere: to be consulted, to be listened to, to contribute, to engage, and to be part of solutions.

We Believe in Youth details the most pressing challenges refugee youth face and their recommendations on how best to address these challenges. The report is a road map for action for all those engaged in humanitarian response—States, international organizations, international and national civil society organizations, donors, and youth groups.

Ten Challenges Identified by GRYC participants

• Difficulties with legal recognition and obtaining personal documents
• Difficulty in accessing quality learning, education, and skills-building opportunities
• Discrimination, racism, xenophobia, and “culture clash”
• Few youth employment and livelihood opportunities
• Gender inequality, discrimination, exploitation, and violence, including for LGBTI youth
• Poor access to youth-sensitive healthcare, including psychosocial support
• Lack of safety, security, and freedom of movement
• Challenges for unaccompanied youth
• Lack of opportunities to participate, be engaged, or access decision makers
• Lack of information about asylum, refugee rights, and available services

Seven Core Actions for Refugee Youth

• Core Action 1: Empower Refugee Youth through meaningful engagement
• Core Action 2: Recognize, utilise, and develop Refugee Youth capacities and skills
• Core Action 3: Ensure Refugee Youth-focused protection
• Core Action 4: Support Refugee Youth physical and emotional wellbeing
• Core Action 5: Facilitate Refugee Youth networking and information sharing
• Core Action 6: Reinforce Refugee Youth as connectors and peace builders
• Core Action 7: Generate data and evidence of Refugee Youth to promote accountability to youth

For additional background and resources on GRYC, click here