UN
In addition to the High Level Summit on 19 September there will be several side events taking place during the week of the UN General Assembly.
We have listed some of the events related to the Summit below. A full list of all UNGA side list is available on the UN Non-Governmental Liaison Service website.
The Role of Education in Enhancing Social Cohesion in Post Conflict Settings
When: 27 September 2016 3PM to 6PM
Where: United Nations Conference Room 5
Organizers: Qatar Charity
A panel discussion will address the negative impact of conflicts on social cohesion and the potential role of education in bringing about social reconciliation in post-conflict settings and therefore contribute to social cohesion and sustainable peace.Find out more at: https://www.qcharity.org/en/qa. This event is open.
Contact Details: Jassim Sady Al Najmawi – jnajmawi@qcharity.org
Bearing witness: combating human traficking and forced migration
When: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Friday, 23 September 2016
Where: Trusteeship Council Chamber – UN Secretariat Building, New York
What: A consultation on international, regional and national action to combat human trafficking and forced migration, and how governments, UN organizations, and faith-based and religious organizations can work together in response.
The consultation is designed to complement the United Nations General Assembly Summit on Refugees and Migrants, which was held on 19 September 2016.
Organisers: H.E. Faisal Bin Muaammar, Secretary General of the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID)
Mr. Rudelmar Bueno de Faria, World Council of Churches Representative to the UN
Mr. Adama Dieng, United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide
Mr. Taha F.B. Fares, Expert on Human Trafficking & Smuggling Networks operating across sub-Saharan Africa, MENA & the Mediterranean basin
H.E. Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Spain
Hon. Dr. Joseph Muscat, Prime Minister of Malta
Why: Not since the Second World War have so many people fled their homes to escape persecution. Recognizing the importance of faith identities has been essential for both host and refugee/migrant communities dealing with challenges of integration. Faith-based organizations have been among the first to provide help in emergencies. They also provide material, spiritual and moral support to refugees and migrants to cope with the specific challenges linked to their situations.
The consultation will examine ways in which States, intergovernmental organizations, and faith-based organizations can work together to help address the growing problem of trafficking and forced migration.
Please note: Media can pick up a ticket at the MALU Liaison Desk on the 3rd floor on Friday. Camera holders can only enter if they have a UN media pass.
Media representatives are also invited to attend a reception at 7:00 pm at the Church Center of the United Nations (777 United Nations Plaza #8g, New York).
For additional information and interview requests please contact:
Martina Donlon, UN Department of Public Information: donlon@un.org, Tel: +1 212 963 6816
Mariela Hoyer Starcevic, KAICIID Public Affairs: mariela.hoyer@kaiciid.org, Tel: +43 664 887 24068
Marcelo Schneider, World Council of Churches Communications: marcelo.schneider@wcc-coe.org, Tel: +55 5199 985 515
Tentative programme: please see attached.
Health in the Context of Migration and Forced Displacement
When: 22 September 2016, 8.00AM - 9.30AM
Where: Conference Room 12, United Nations Headquarters, NY
Organizers: The Governments of Italy and Sri Lanka, IOM, UNHCR and WHO
This side event aims to raise awareness and bring attention to the urgent question of the health of migrants and refugees, which has, up to now, been insufficiently addressed in multi-sector platforms. The event will also facilitate the sharing of current perspectives and good practices, as well as emphasize the shared responsibility of promoting the health of migrants and refugees. This is necessary for achieving universal health coverage for all, regardless of status, the management of safe, orderly and regular migration and the provision of asylum. These achievements are in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, in particular goals 3.8 and 10.7 to ensure healthy lives for all and to leave no-one behind.
Properly addressing the health needs of migrants and refugees improves their health, protects global public health, facilitates integration and contributes to social and economic development in the host country. Ensuring equitable access to essential health services and financial protection can be effective tools for promoting health equity in today's diverse societies.
Please RSVP by 16 September at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd17M2KjCh0O_JTbOSp9OGJjA_ELJ6o...
Contact Details: Olivia Headon (oheadon@iom.int), Fatima Khan (FKhan@whoun.org), and Davide Torzilli (torzilli@unhcr.org)
Large movements of refugees and migrants: global challenge, regional responses, comprehensive strategy
When: 21 September 2016, 3pm-5pm
Where: Conference Room 3
Organizers: Permanent Missions of Italy, the Netherlands, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Jordan, Nigeria, Niger, Senegal, IOM, UNHCR
Movements of refugees and migrants require responses at all levels. Global policy discussions and individual national commitments can be usefully integrated at regional level within a coherent global framework. The focus of the side event will be on mixed flows from Africa and the Middle East across the Mediterranean towards Europe. In this regional dimension, the side event will discuss: saving lives as the humanitarian priority; protection of the most vulnerable; combating smuggling and human trafficking; highlighting the economic, development, cultural and social contribution of migrants and refugees; partnerships between countries of destination, transit and origin; solidarity and responsibility sharing. Kindly note that this event is by invitation only.
Contact Details: First Counsellor Adriano Monti (Adriano.monti@esteri.it)
Beyond September 19 Responding to Migrants in Crisis: The Migrants in Countries in Crisis (MICIC) Initiative and Addressing Human Trafficking in Conflict and Post-Conflict Situations
When: 21 September, 5:30-8PM
Where: ECOSOC Chamber, UNHQ
Organizers: The United States Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration and Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons and the International Organization for Migration.
U.S. Assistant Secretary for Population, Refugees, and Migration Anne C. Richard and U.S. Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons Susan Coppedge and Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations, H.E. Ms. Lourdes Ortiz Yparraguirre will moderate two dynamic discussion on new approaches to cooperation and migration crisis response featuring dialogue with, among others, IOM Director General William Swing, UN Special Representative of the Secretary General for International Migration and Development Peter Sutherland, and UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons Dr. Maria Grazia Giammarinaro.
Access to this event will be limited to UN facility badge holders.
For more information, please see the concept note.
Contact Details: Amy Muedin (rsvpmigrantsincrisis@iom.int)
San José Action Statement: A Regional Response to Address Protection Needs
When: 21 September 2016, 6:15PM – 8:00PM
Where: Conference Room 4, United Nations Headquarters, NY
Organizers: Co-hosted by Costa Rica, Mexico, the United States of America, the Organization of American States and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR)
The San José Action Statement is an example of regional cooperation to address forced displacement caused by violence in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. The side event explores how best to implement the commitments made in the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework that will be adopted in the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants at the 19th September Summit.
To RSVP now, please visit: http://bit.ly/2casUdL (Best if opened in Google Chrome)
Contact Details: Davide Torzilli (torzilli@unhcr.org)
Mobilizing a ‘Whole of Society’ Approach to Refugees
When: 20 September 2016 at 1:15 – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Conference Room 2, United Nations Headquarters, NY
Organizers: Co-organized by the Governments of Canada and Ecuador and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR)
What does it mean to mobilize a “whole of society” approach to refugees? What are creative ways to engage civil society, local authorities, and the private sector in receiving refugees and supporting the communities in which they live? Join us as we explore some of the positive examples of whole of society approaches to reception and inclusion of refugees. RSVP by September 16: https://goo.gl/forms/DmeGBz2czLORl1iV2
Contact Details: Elizabeth Ferris (FERRIS@unhcr.org)
Protecting human rights in the context of large movements of migrants and refugees
When: 20 September, 10:00AM - 1PM
Where: UNHQ, Conference Room 12
Organizers: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Platform for International Cooperation for Undocumented Migrants (PICUM), Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations (CTPSR), El Salvador, Argentina
The event aims to engage in a multi-stakeholder discussion on strategies to protect and promote the human rights of all migrants and refugees in the context of large movements. Speakers will present a draft set of Principles and practical guidance on the human rights protection of migrants in vulnerable situations and within large movements, which are being developed by the Global Migration Group Working Group on Human Rights and Gender. The event will also present recent findings of the MEDMIG research project, led by the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations, which explores the dynamics underpinning the recent migration across, and loss of life in, the Mediterranean. This is event is open.
Find out more on: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Migration/UNSummit/Pages/MigrationSummitI...
See the event concept note
Contact Details: Carolina Hernandez (migrant-desibconsultant@ohchr.org)
Boosting Opportunities for Higher Education in Emergencies
When: 19 September 2016, 1.15 to 2.45 PM
Where: Conference Room 12
Organizers: Permanent Missions of the State of Qatar and Portugal in collaboration with Education Above All Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, German Academic Exchange Service, Global Platform for Syrian Students, International Unit, Institute of International Education, World University Service Canada
The side event will bring together governments, UN agencies, humanitarian organizations, academia and youth affected by humanitarian crises to promote the role of high-level education in crises situations and to showcase some successful initiatives and programmes that make a difference which participants can replicate or join up.
Contact Details:
Ms. Al-Anoud Al-Temimi – temimi@mofa.gov.qa
Ms. Helena Barroco - helenabarroco@casadoregalo.pt
Investing in Partnership: A European External Investment Plan to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and address root causes of migration
When: 19 September 2016, 1:30-3:00 PM
Where: Delegation of the European Union, 666 Third Avenue, 31st Floor
Organizers: European Union
On September 19, High-Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini, Vice-President Kristalina Georgieva and European Commission Director-General Stefano Manservisi will present the European External Investment Plan at the side-event "Investing in Partnership: A European External Investment Plan to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and address root causes of migration." Gathering representatives from civil society, the private sector and government officials, the event will take place at the EUDelegation in New York. It will open with interventions from the two Vice-Presidents and Foreign Ministers of Jordan / Nigeria (tbc); the technical details of the European External Investment Plan will be presented by Director-General Stefano Manservisi, followed by questions and answers.
RSVP is mandatory; for media arrangements, please contact: delegation-new-york-rsvp@eeas.europa.eu
Contact Details: EU Delegation New York (delegation-new-york-rsvp@eeas.europa.eu)
Climate displacement and dignity: the needs of the most vulnerable countries
When: 19 September 2016, 2-3PM
Where: Board Room S-1525
Organizers: Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) and the Mary Robinson Foundation-Climate Justice
This dialogue is aimed to share experiences and identify challenges faced by the most vulnerable countries in the world, namely LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS, in coping with climate displacement, and brainstorm on the strategy to form a cohesive international approach across current international processes to protect climate displaced people. Kindly note that this invitation is by invitation only.
Contact Details: AI Yuxin, aiy@un.org
TOWARDS COLLECTIVE ACTION: Forced displacement as a development challenge
When: September 19, 1:15PM - 2:00PM
Where: Conference Room 8, United Nations Headquarters, NY
Organizers: Co-hosted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR) and the World Bank Group (WBG)
Discussing the challenge of joint leadership toward a development approach to the forced displacement crisis and launch of the World Bank Group report “Forcibly Displaced: Toward a development approach supporting refugees, the internally displaced, and their hosts”.
Contact Details: Davide Torzilli (torzilli@unhcr.org); Chisako Fukuda (cfukuda@worldbankgroup.org)
SUPPORTING GREATER DIGNITY AND PROTECTION: Enhancing Self-Reliance in Food Security and Nutrition in Protracted Refugee
Situations
When: 19th September, 1:15PM - 2:45PM
Where: Conference Room 7, United Nations Headquarters, New York
Organizers: Co-hosted by Denmark, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Republic of Uganda, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme (WFP)
A vital conversation by representatives of governments, the United Nations and civil society about the imperative of and opportunities for transitioning from care and maintenance to self-reliance. Register at: http://bit.do/UNHCR_WFP
Contact Details: Gina Pattugalan (gina.pattugalan@wfp.org); Davide Torzilli (torzilli@unhcr.org)
Leaving no one behind: Energy for humanitarian response and sustainable development
When: 18 September 2016, 12:00PM – 2:00PM
Where: Delegates Dining Room, UN Headquarters, New York
Organizers: CO-HOSTS: UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR); PARTNERS: Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, IKEA Foundation, Moving Energy Initiative, Schneider Electric and UN-Energy
Held on the eve of the special United Nations Summit on Refugees and Migrants 19 September, and in the margins of the UN General Debate, this high-level event will focus on how sustainable energy can improve health, enable education, empower women and increase economic output for the more than 125 million people affected by humanitarian crises. It also will show how sustainable energy builds long-term resilience to mitigate future crises, including those resulting from climate change, and create foundations for expanding opportunities for all.
Contact Details: Isabel Raya (raya@un.org), Davide Torzilli (torzilli@unhcr.org)
Children First Vigil
When: 18 September 2016, 5-6:30 PM
Where: Dag Hammrskjold Plaza
Organizers: UNICEF and US Fund for UNICEF
Children First will be a gathering of civil society organizations, faith groups, state representatives, UN agencies, business leaders and young people from refugee and migrant communities to draw attention to the plight of the millions of children who have been uprooted from their homes by violence, poverty, extreme weather and drought. The purpose of the event is to remind world leaders to put children first as they convene the UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants onSeptember 19, and President Obama’s Leaders’ Summit on Refugees on September, 20. Visit unicefusa.org/vigil for more information. This event is open, RSVP required.
Contact Details: Lely Djuhari ldjuhari@unicef.org
Delivery of #WithRefugees petition and press event
When: September 16, 12:45PM – 2:45PM
Where: GA Hall, UN Headquarters, New York
Organizers: UNHCR
Each day war forces thousands of families to flee their homes. People like you, people like me. To escape the violence, they leave everything behind – everything except their hopes and dreams for a safer future. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency believes that all refugees deserve to live in safety. Add your name to the #WithRefugees petition to send a clear message to governments that they must act with solidarity and shared responsibility. We stand together #WithRefugees. Please stand with us.
The #WithRefugees petition will be delivered to UN headquarters in New York ahead of the UN General Assembly high-level summit to address large movements of refugees and migrants, on September 19. The petition asks governments to:
Ensure every refugee child gets an education.
Ensure every refugee family has somewhere safe to live.
Ensure every refugee can work or learn new skills to make a positive contribution to their community.
Contact Details: Firas Kayal (kayal@unhcr.org
Combating xenophobic language in the media and fostering inclusive integration of migrants and refugees
When: 15 September 2016, 10AM - 1PM
Where: Conference Room 5
Organizers: United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, International Organization for Migration and the Permanent Mission of Malta to the UN and the EU
Contact Details:
Thibault Chareton (thibaultc@unops.org)
Nihal Saad, Chief of Cabinet (saadn@un.org)
#WithRefugees: Mobilizing Multi-Religious Leaders to Act with Solidarity and Shared Responsibility for the Wellbeing of Refugees
When: September 15, 10:30AM - 12:30PM
Where: Conference Room, Second Floor, 777 United Nations Plaza New York, NY 10017
Organizers: UNHCR, Religions for Peace/Partnership for Faith & Development
The interactive multi-religious and multi-sectoral roundtable discussion will focus on the role of religious communities in the #WithRefugees Campaign to stand with refugees by:
* Identifying ways that religious communities can work with States to support the development of a global compact for refugees that reaffirms shared responsibility for refugees
* Discussing strategies to secure the protection of stateless persons through international solidarity and responsibility sharing
* Affirming the commitment of religious communities to directly serve refugees
Contact Details: Deepika Singh (dsingh@rfp.org), Elizabeth Ferris (FERRIS@unhcr.org)
Development approaches to migration and displacement - supporting national and local capacities to prepare for and respond to large movements
When: 13 September 2016, 3PM - 7PM
Where: Conference Room 8
Organizer: UNDP and the Global Migration Group
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development fully recognizes migration and displacement as a core development consideration. It has introduced a range of specific SDG targets on migration and pledges to ‘leave no one behind’, including refugees, displaced persons and host communities. The SDGs also underscore the need for development investments in preventing and resolving protracted displacement. There is widespread and growing recognition that migration and displacement are not merely short-term issues; their costs, benefits and dynamics are part of longer-term global trends. This requires efforts to look together into effective and sustainable solutions through joint approaches of development and humanitarian actors, together with state authorities at both local and national levels.
Contact Details:
Leontine Specker (leontine.specker@undp.org) and Owen Shumba (owen.shumba@undp.org)
Livelihoods and Economic Recovery Team, Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, United Nations Development Programme
