Advancing Global Solutions for Refugee Protection: Key takeaways from the SSI Speaker Series

In a time of growing global displacement and complex protection challenges, collaboration is more critical than ever. SSI’s International team recently brought together sector leaders, advocates, and community representatives for a Speaker Series event, Advancing Global Solutions for Refugee Protection.

– The regional and global protection landscape is shifting. This is seen in mixed migration trends, shrinking humanitarian space, and new partnership models emerging across the region.

– National organisations like SSI have both an opportunity and a responsibility to engage globally through both policy and advocacy and through direct collaboration with civil society partners such as APRRN.

– Civil society is essential in bridging the gap between governments, communities, and international actors. But long-term investment is essential to move beyond a crisis mindset.

– The sector must resource locally led organisations, elevate refugee leadership, and embed inclusion at every level of policy and practice.

– To achieve lasting change, funding and following the leadership of refugee and stateless advocates is critical.

– The Global Refugee Forum progress review in December will provide a key moment to reflect on commitments and achievements.

– Field updates from Graham and Hasfar’s visits to camps in Bangladesh highlighted that funding shortages are undermining frontline responses, in SGBV response, mental health services and legal services. Women and girls are increasingly more vulnerable in the camps without access to essential services.

– Positive developments are emerging, such as Thailand’s recent decision to extend work rights to displaced communities at the border. This is a promising example of government action that could inspire others across the region and beyond.

– Complementary pathways, such as the Skilled Refugee Labour Mobility Program, if scaled up, offer a meaningful solution to shrinking resettlement opportunities and could pave the way for more sustainable outcomes.

SSI International leads our organisation’s global engagement and international advocacy, aligned with the Global Compact on Refugees and our Global Refugee Forum pledges.

Through advocacy, policy influence, capacity building, and amplifying lived experience, we collaborate with governments, UN agencies, NGOs, and local partners to design evidence-based, human-rights-driven solutions. Learn more.

The discussion reinforced the importance of shared responsibility, sustained advocacy, and inclusive leadership in advancing refugee protection.

By connecting local action to global advocacy, SSI International continues to champion inclusive, sustainable, and community-driven approaches that put refugee and stateless voices at the centre.

Learn more about international engagement and work, here.

If you’re interested in learning more about our work or discussing potential collaboration, we’d love to hear from you.

Carmen Ghaly: cghaly@ssi.org.au