During September 2019, a series of consultation workshops were delivered by ADSP in Afghanistan, in close collaboration with the Agency Coordinating Body for Afghan Relief and Development (ACBAR).  Three workshops were held in three cities (Kabul, Herat and Mazar), aiming to bring together ACBAR members to strengthen awareness on the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and its objectives as well as building an understanding of the upcoming Global Refugee Forum (GRF) on 17th – 18th December.  The events were an opportunity to encourage engagement and initiate a dialogue on the role of civil society actors in Afghanistan’s participation at the Forum – as part of ensuring a ‘Whole-of-Society’ approach.  It also enabled participants to deliberate on and understand the role they can play in national, regional and global arrangements including support towards the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF).  With Afghanistan being one of 15 pilot countries to roll-out the CRRF, success in the process requires inclusiveness and therefore building links between all stakeholders including with national and international NGOs such as those who took part in the workshops, is of critical significance.

A total of 92 participants from 68 organisations attended and were encouraged to discuss and identify gaps and challenges, to initiate dialogue on good practices and on securing pledges and contributions ahead of the GRF. Discussions also considered ways forward beyond the event, towards contributing to the GCR objectives.

ADSP and ACBAR continue to engage with the NGOs, working collectively to identify potential good practices that will be showcased at the GRF alongside pledges and contributions and will use the momentum gained to sustain dialogue around working together towards achieving the GCR objectives within the context of Afghan displacement

Report ADSP ACBAR member workshops September19