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GANHRI reaffirms commitment to protecting rights of displaced and stateless persons at 2025 Global Refugee Forum

 

On the first day of the the 2025 Global Refugee Forum High-Level Officials Meeting, Abderrafie Hamdi of the National Human Rights Council of Morocco delivered a statement on behalf of GANHRI emphasizing the role of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in implementing the multi-stakeholder pledge adopted at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum.

The intervention underscored NHRIs’ commitment to promoting the human rights of displaced and stateless persons and highlighted national-level initiatives undertaken since the pledge.

Diverse approaches to protection: the role of NHRIs

NHRI contribute to the protection of asylum seekers, refugees, and stateless persons through diverse approaches, including:

  • Adopting, reviewing, or harmonizing laws that guarantee effective protection and, when they have a quasi-judicial mandate, handle complaints related to violations of these rights.
  • Producing analyses and recommendations for authorities, develop monitoring tools adapted to migration dynamics, or participate in improving public protection policies.
  • Promoting and raising awareness and regional cooperation activities to provide long-term support for the rights of displaced persons.

In its plenary intervention, GANHRI highlighted examples of NHRI action since 2023 across all four regions:

  • The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) of Morocco advocates for expanded refugee protection through socio-economic integration and continues to support asylum seekers in ensuring respect for the principle of non-refoulement. The CNDH has also organized training for government actors and civil society while promoting humane border management.
  • The Public Defender of Georgia dedicated a specific chapter of its 2024 annual report to migrants and persons benefiting from international protection, incorporating updated data and recommendations on asylum procedures and border crossings.
  • The Ombudsperson’s Office of Panama established a monitoring tool for the situation of migrants and refugees, strengthened humanitarian coordination with support from OHCHR, conducted awareness-raising activities, and requested a thematic hearing before the Inter-American Commission on Human rights to address human rights concerns and promote enhanced regional coordination.
  • The Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines monitored stateless communities and at-risk populations, advocated for human rights-based legislation, and supported implementation of protection mechanisms for refugees and stateless persons, demonstrating commitment through monitoring, advocacy, and regional cooperation.

Way forward

The plenary discussion emphasized the need for continued accountability, cross-regional collaboration, and systematic documentation of progress.

GANHRI outlined that the protection of refugees and displaced persons depends on both strengthened international cooperation and solidarity in resource mobilization. Current constraints affecting the UN system, including UNHRC, have a direct impact on refugee registration and protection.

GANHRI concluded its intervention by reiterating its commitment to advancing the 2023 multi-stakeholder pledge, supporting NHRIs in their national efforts, and fostering inclusive, rights-based solutions for displaced and stateless persons worldwide.