How Islamic Relief Projects Help Refugees

Refugee Support Programs

Supporting refugees requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both their immediate needs and long-term integration into new societies. Various programs are dedicated to assisting refugees, particularly through counseling services and government-supported settlement initiatives.

Counseling Services for Young Refugees

Young people from refugee backgrounds often face significant emotional and psychological challenges, particularly if they have experienced war and displacement. Specialist counseling services address these needs, helping young refugees navigate the complex journey of resettlement. In Australia, organizations like the NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Trauma and Torture Survivors (STARTTS) offer specialized counseling to these vulnerable groups (Roads to Refuge).

The importance of such services was underscored in 2018 when the Office for the Advocate for Children and Young People (ACYP) in Australia conducted consultations with young people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds. These consultations aimed to understand their unique challenges and identify the support they found helpful during the settlement process.

Government Settlement Support

Government settlement programs offer a structured framework that supports refugees as they adapt to their new environments. In the United States, the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) provides various benefits designed to facilitate the integration and self-sufficiency of refugees. These benefits include Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), the ORR Matching Grant (MG) Program, Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA), and medical screenings funded by ORR.

Key ORR Support Services:

These services are designed to ensure that refugees have access to essential resources that promote their overall well-being and successful integration into society. When refugees apply for ORR benefits, they need to bring proof of their status and the date of arrival in the United States, such as an I-94 noting admission under § 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, an I-94 with the code Visa 93, or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with the code A03 (ORR).

By addressing both the emotional and practical needs of refugees, these programs play a critical role in helping them rebuild their lives in a new and unfamiliar environment.

Refugee Support Organizations

Refugee support organizations play a critical role in aiding forcibly displaced individuals by providing advocacy, resources, and support essential for their integration into new communities. Two significant entities in this domain are Refugee Council USA (RCUSA) and various resettlement agencies.

Role of Refugee Council USA

Refugee Council USA (RCUSA) is a coalition comprised of over thirty U.S.-based nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting and protecting the rights of forcibly displaced persons. This coalition works through advocacy, strategic communications, and programmatic coordination. Although RCUSA does not directly offer assistance to refugees or asylum seekers with their cases or access to direct services, it plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and creating awareness around refugee issues.

Main Functions of RCUSA:

• Advocacy: Lobbying for policies that protect refugee rights.
• Strategic Communications: Raising awareness and educating the public about refugee issues.
• Programmatic Coordination: Aligning efforts among member organizations to enhance overall impact.

Assistance from Resettlement Agencies

Resettlement agencies provide the much-needed resources and support to help refugees integrate into their new societies. Among the primary agencies involved are Church World Service (CWS), International Rescue Committee (IRC), and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). These organizations offer various essential services that facilitate the resettlement process.

Key Services Provided by Resettlement Agencies:

• Housing: Helping refugees find safe and affordable housing.
• Employment: Connecting refugees with Employment Specialists to aid in job searching.
• Education: Providing access to educational opportunities for refugees and their children.
• Healthcare: Assisting refugees in navigating the healthcare system to receive necessary medical care.
• Cultural Orientation: Offering programs that help refugees understand and adapt to their new cultural environment.

By working together, these organizations provide a comprehensive support system for refugees, ensuring their successful integration and improving their overall quality of life in their new communities.

Refugee Support Services

ORR Refugee Support Funding

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) provides essential funding to enable refugees to gain economic independence. The funding helps new arrivals find and maintain employment, ideally within a year of program enrollment (ORR).

The ORR utilizes a formula to determine funding awards to states and state-alternative programs based on the number of refugees in each state during the past year. This strategic allocation ensures that resources reach the areas with the highest demand.

The Refugee Support Services Program focuses on addressing barriers to employment, building community partnerships with local organizations, and facilitating integration into communities (ORR).

State Services for Refugees

States play a significant role in providing services to refugees. They offer support to refugees who have been in the country for up to 60 months (5 years), with certain services such as referral or interpreter services, and citizenship or naturalization preparation having no time limitations (ORR).

The administration of these services can vary from state to state, but an established order of priority exists to ensure that the most critical needs are addressed first. Services may include employment assistance, English language training, and access to community resources.

Refugees can apply for these benefits and services through state governments, resettlement agencies, and nonprofit community-based organizations funded by ORR. They are eligible to apply whether they arrive through the Reception and Placement Program or the Welcome Corps program (ORR).

This framework ensures that refugees receive the necessary support to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their new communities.

Refugee Resettlement Process

The resettlement process for refugees is a complex and highly coordinated effort involving multiple agencies and organizations. This section explores the critical roles played by UNHCR, national government agencies, and non-governmental organization (NGO) partners in facilitating refugee resettlement.

UNHCR and Resettlement Agencies

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a key player in the resettlement process. They work in collaboration with U.S. government agencies and numerous NGOs to identify, screen, process, receive, and integrate refugees into host countries like the United States. Partner agencies such as the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) from the Department of State and the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) from the Department of Health and Human Services play significant roles in this concerted effort (UNHCR).

A pivotal function of UNHCR is to identify refugees who are most in need of resettlement. These individuals are often those who cannot safely return to their home country and lack proper protections in their current locations. Once identified, these refugees undergo a series of rigorous screening and processing steps to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria for resettlement.

Resettlement agencies such as Church World Service (CWS), International Rescue Committee (IRC), and United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) assist refugees by providing immediate resources and long-term support for integration into American society.

Roles of USCIS and NGO Partners

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is a crucial governmental body under the Department of Homeland Security that oversees lawful immigration into the United States. In the context of refugee resettlement, USCIS is responsible for the reception and integration of refugees. This includes adjudicating the refugee applications and conducting security screenings, which are essential steps to ensure the safety and well-being of both the refugees and the host country (UNHCR).

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) serve as essential partners in the resettlement process. These organizations often provide on-the-ground support in host countries and help manage various aspects of refugee resettlement. For instance, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) focuses on migration management, offering solutions to migration challenges, and delivering humanitarian aid to migrants and internally displaced individuals.

Understanding the refugee resettlement process highlights the collaborative efforts involved in bringing refugees to safety and helping them integrate into new communities. Ensuring refugees receive the appropriate support and resources requires effective coordination between international bodies, government agencies, and NGO partners.

Refugee Resettlement Initiatives

CRISP and ERCM Programs

The Sustainable Resettlement and Complementary Pathways Initiative (CRISP) is an integral part of global efforts to support refugee resettlement programs. Jointly led by UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), CRISP provides targeted capacity building to states and key stakeholders. It aims to establish, expand, or renew resettlement programs while advancing complementary pathways of admission.

CRISP draws and builds on lessons from past experiences such as the Emerging Resettlement Countries Joint Support Mechanism (ERCM), implemented between 2016-2019. ERCM aimed to expand the resettlement base by providing support to emerging resettlement countries. This initiative was launched during the September 2016 Leaders’ Summit on Refugees and facilitated collaboration between UNHCR and IOM to help states develop and sustain resettlement programs (IOM).

Global Refugee Forum Initiatives

The Global Refugee Forum (GRF) is a key component of the Global Compact on Refugees. Held every four years, the GRF provides a platform for stakeholders, including governments, organizations, and businesses, to share good practices and pledge support for refugee initiatives. These efforts aim to find long-term solutions for refugees and the communities that host them (UNHCR).

The Global Compact on Refugees also includes the High-Level Officials Meeting (HLOM), held two years after each GRF, and the GCR indicator report, published every two years, which tracks progress and achievements. Additionally, the High Commissioner’s annual reporting to the General Assembly keeps the global community informed of ongoing refugee support initiatives (UNHCR).

By focusing on these initiatives, stakeholders worldwide can effectively contribute to the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees, ensuring lasting solutions for refugees and the communities that host them.

Refugee Benefits and Services

Supporting refugees involves providing critical benefits and services to ensure their well-being and integration into new communities. The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) plays a pivotal role in coordinating these benefits and services.

ORR Benefits for Refugees

The ORR offers multiple initial benefits designed to help refugees get established in their new environment. These benefits help address immediate needs and facilitate the transition towards self-sufficiency and integration.

• Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA): Provides financial aid to those without dependent children.
• ORR Matching Grant (MG) Program: Aims to help refugees achieve economic self-sufficiency within 120 to 180 days without access to public assistance.
• Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA): Offers healthcare coverage for up to 12 months from ORR eligibility.
• Medical Screenings: Ensures refugees receive necessary health assessments upon arrival.
• Refugee Support Services (RSS): Available for up to 5 years, these include employability services, job training, English language training, transportation, and case management.

These services are designed to optimize refugee support and facilitate a smoother transition into life in a new country.

Application Process for Benefits

Refugees can apply for benefits through state governments, resettlement agencies, and nonprofit community-based organizations funded by the ORR. They are eligible to apply regardless of whether they arrive through the Reception and Placement Program or the Welcome Corps program.

When applying for benefits, refugees need to provide proof of their refugee status and the date of their arrival in the United States. Acceptable proof includes:

• An I-94 noting admittance under § 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act
• An I-94 with the code Visa 93
• An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with the code A03
• Other types of documentation may also be accepted.

Understanding the available benefits and the application process is crucial for ensuring that refugees receive the support they need to build a stable and prosperous future.

Global Compact on Refugees

The Global Compact on Refugees provides a structured framework for ensuring that refugees and host communities receive the necessary support to thrive. It aims to transform the global response to refugee situations and promote a shared sense of responsibility.

Objectives and Components

The Global Compact on Refugees comprises several key components aimed at creating a more effective and equitable approach to refugee crises. Below are the core objectives and components:

1. Global Refugee Forum (GRF) - Held every four years, this forum brings together governments, international organizations, and other stakeholders to make pledges and share good practices.
2. High-Level Officials Meeting (HLOM) - Conducted two years after each GRF to review the progress made on pledges and initiatives.
3. GCR Indicator Report - Published every two years, this report provides metrics and analysis on the implementation of the Compact's objectives.
4. High Commissioner’s Annual Reporting - The High Commissioner reports annually to the General Assembly on refugee situations and progress related to the Compact.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) led the development of this comprehensive framework, which was affirmed by the UN General Assembly on December 17, 2018 (UNHCR).

Implementation and Good Practices

Successful implementation of the Global Compact on Refugees relies on coordinated efforts from governments, organizations, businesses, and individual stakeholders. The aim is to provide better support and sustainable solutions for refugees and host communities.

Key Practices and Initiatives

1. Equitable Responsibility-Sharing:

• Promotes fairer distribution of responsibility for refugees across countries.
• Encourages wealthier nations to provide more support to host countries.

1. Economic and Educational Opportunities:

• Facilitates access to education and vocational training for refugees.
• Promotes employment opportunities to enable self-reliance.

1. Community-Based Support:

• Supports the integration of refugees into host communities.
• Provides resources for housing, healthcare, and social services.

1. Pledges and Commitments:

• Governments and organizations make pledges at the GRF.
• Periodic reviews at the HLOM to assess progress.

Below is a table summarizing the main events and their frequency as part of the Global Compact on Refugees framework:

By fostering collaboration and encouraging innovative solutions, the Global Compact on Refugees aims to create a stronger, more resilient global response to refugee crises. For further information, visit the UNHCR website.

Refugee Challenges

Refugees face numerous challenges as they navigate life in unfamiliar territories. These challenges span various aspects of their living conditions and mental health, significantly impacting their overall well-being and integration into host communities.

Refugee Living Conditions

Refugees often have to leave almost everything behind to escape dangerous situations, making it difficult to secure stable living conditions. Many struggle to find adequate and affordable housing, with only 22% living in tented camps while the rest live in urban areas or cities Concern Worldwide.

Housing crises and the lack of public or subsidized housing exacerbate these difficulties. Additionally, restrictions on shelter materials in some camps, such as those for Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, leave families vulnerable to environmental hazards like floods and fires.

Safety and health remain ongoing concerns for refugees. Accessing healthcare services, affording medication, and navigating curfews are significant challenges that impact their well-being. Many refugees find themselves in unsafe conditions in neighboring countries that may also be experiencing crises. Sanitation and hygiene issues in remote areas further compound these health risks.

Mental Health and Integration Challenges

Mental health is a critical issue for refugees, with many experiencing post-traumatic stress and ongoing trauma. The struggle to adjust to new circumstances often leads to high levels of anxiety and emotional distress. Support groups and mental health services play an essential role in addressing these needs, providing emotional care and a sense of belonging for those in displacement Concern Worldwide.

Language and cultural barriers add another layer of difficulty for refugees in host communities. Translation issues can hinder effective communication, making it harder for refugees to integrate into their new countries. The process of resettlement often involves adapting to unfamiliar languages and societal norms, further complicating their displacement experience.

Providing comprehensive support that addresses the diverse challenges faced by refugees is crucial. Organizations and initiatives aimed at improving living conditions and mental health services can significantly enhance the quality of life and integration prospects for refugees.