TODAY is World Refugee Day. This year’s theme, “Hope Away From Home”, resonates deeply with the millions of refugees and displaced persons worldwide, including those in Malaysia, whose hopes and ambitions are often amplified through initiatives and support from within their own communities, including refugee-led organisations (RLOs).

The Asia Displacement Solutions Platform’s (ADSP) SHARP-Asia project funded by the European Union facilitates the transformative nature of RLOs by listening to and strengthening their voices.

When refugee voices are empowered and drive the advocacy agenda, the aspirations and needs of these communities can be realised, thus bringing to life the concept of “hope away from home”.

One inspiring example is Myu Tsaw (not his real name), a leader from a RLO in Kuala Lumpur who was forced to flee his home in Myanmar due to civil war.

Myu Tsaw’s dream of becoming an engineer was dashed, but his determination was unbroken.

Despite the challenges he faced, he pursued education, became a volunteer teacher, and engaged in projects with civil society organisations that addressed a range of issues, including combating child marriage.

Myu Tsaw’s journey exemplifies the resilience and resolve of refugees to overcome adversity, using education and advocacy to safeguard the rights of their communities.

The SHARP-Asia Project brings together diverse individuals from different RLOs whose expertise and lived experiences position them as the most capable architects of their own destinies.

Given the necessary resources and support, they can strategise and implement powerful advocacy plans that resonate within their communities.

By fostering collective action through the establishment of advocacy working groups, RLOs can amplify their voices and drive positive change.

Looking forward, sustained technical support from organisations such as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the media, and civil society will be crucial in ensuring the continued progress and success of these efforts.

We remain hopeful that advocacy working groups, formed with enthusiasm and determination, will generate tangible results for the communities they represent, nurturing a sense of hope that extends beyond the challenges they face.

As we observe World Refugee Day 2023, it is essential for all stakeholders, including the UN, international donors, civil society, NGOs, diaspora organisations, and other key actors, to prioritize the voices of refugees.

We must actively create space for them to speak even when their perspectives may challenge us or hold us accountable.

When we listen to and genuinely engage with refugees, we unlock the potential for transformative change. We gain deeper insights into the realities they face, the solutions they envision, and the accountability mechanisms they seek.

By prioritising their perspectives, we ensure that our actions and initiatives are responsive, effective, and sustainable.

Let us recommit ourselves to the principles of inclusivity, collaboration, and accountability. Together, we can create a world where the voices of refugees are not only heard but also actively valued and integrated into the processes that shape their lives.

In doing so, we nurture an environment where hope thrives, and the collective pursuit of justice and dignity becomes a shared endeavour.

HUZAN WAQAR, Project Coordinator – ADSP Supporting Humanitarian and Refugee Protection (SHARP) in Asia project

and

JAW TU HKAWNG HPAUDE, Refugee and legal advocate in Malaysia (Jaw is from Kachin State, Myanmar.)

This article was originally published in The Star and can be accessed here.