Localised Programmes, Business Incentives and Stronger Aid Responses at keys to vulnerability reduction amongst refugees and migrants, told #ECOSOC

In an in-council panel discussion titled “Moving beyond business as usual: Working together to reduce need, risk and vulnerability”, Mr. O’Brien stated that the most effective way to eliminate xenophobia is through refugees/migrants empowerment, and it could be done by having governments, civil society and international organizations to work collaboratively in promoting localized programmes, creating business incentives and providing more financial assistance.

On the issue of finance, however, Ms. Patel expressed concerns over the lack of aid transparency and the absence of a global and national-level tracking system. She emphasized that the system is pivotal in ensuring international aid could actually get to the vulnerable groups as opposed to the pockets of corrupted officials. In addition, innovative and alternative sources of funding must be explored at both local and national levels for its sustainability.

Speaking of localized programmes, Ms. Mahmood stressed that involving local stakeholders in the decision-making process is essential so that local networks could be utilized and domestic opinions could be effectively channeled as well.

Meeting: ECOSOC Humanitarian Affairs Segment – 31^st Meeting

Date/Time/Location: Tuesday, 28 June, 2016; 10:00 – 13:00; ECOSOC Chamber

Speakers: Mr. Stephen O’Brien, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Ms. Smruti Patel, Interim Executive Director, Network for Empowered Aid Response; Ms. Jemilah Mahmood, Under-Secretary-General for Partnerships, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies;

Written by: Raphael LEUNG