The transfer of refugees from countries of first asylum to third countries through resettlement and complementary pathways is ever more needed as the number of vulnerable refugees across the globe increases. As contributions by governments fall short in meeting the global demand for third country solutions, the role of private actors and municipalities is becoming even more important. In this context, community sponsorship offers a key contribution and innovative solution. Based on the Canadian example, communities in over 15 countries are now empowered to become welcomers, leading the integration of resettled refugees through social, financial, and emotional support. This increases avenues to protection and changes the local narratives. The Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative (GRSI) supports the establishment of community sponsorship programs to welcome refugees as new neighbors around the globe. This includes designing new programs with governments, local authorities, and civil society, as well as helping them grow and fostering networks between relevant actors in a growing ecosystem. The Robert Bosch Stiftung together with GRSI’s other partners and donors (Giustra Foundation, Government of Canada, Open Society Foundations, Shapiro Foundation, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the University of Ottawa - Refugee Hub) supports GRSI to further develop and expand its work and activities.
© UNHCR/Andrew McConnell