Admittance signifies landmark moment for refugee labour mobility efforts worldwide

GENEVA, 20 DEC 2023 –Jumpstart Refugee Talent has been officially admitted to the Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility, as announced at the recent Global Refugee Forum in Geneva. This distinguished recognition underscores the organization’s dedication and impactful efforts in advancing refugee labour mobility globally.

The Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility is a multi-sectoral and multistakeholder initiative to increase refugee access to third-country solutions via labour complementary pathways, through global dialogue and technical advice. This latest announcement of Jumpstart’s admission is a significant milestone – for the nonprofit, the task force, and the future of refugee labour mobility efforts globally.

“Our entry into the task force is not just a landmark achievement, but a critical step in the ongoing journey to ensure the meaningful participation of refugee-led organizations (RLOs) in global dialogues and decisions,” says Bassel Ramli, Jumpstart Refugee Talent’s Co-founder and Director, Global Mobility. “While we celebrate this achievement, we acknowledge that there remains considerable work to fully and equally recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of RLOs within the global refugee response system.”

Beginning in 2017, Jumpstart Refugee Talent, along with Talent Beyond Boundaries and key stakeholders, has been at the forefront of advocating for labor mobility pathways for refugees, laying the foundation for this idea nationally and globally, despite initial skepticism and challenges. And while the grassroots organization celebrates this achievement, they also acknowledge that there remains considerable work to fully recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of RLOs in various international platforms.

A crucial objective for Jumpstart in the task force is to scale the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot, a successful Canadian initiative. Jumpstart aims to significantly extend this model’s reach, offering lasting solutions for individuals and their families on a broader scale.

“While we are concentrating on expanding this pilot in Canada, our vision extends globally. We are committed to supporting and advancing refugee labor mobility across the world. Our work goes beyond just helping employers recognize refugee talent; it’s about highlighting the community-wide benefits of this approach,” says Bassel.

“As the newest member of the Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility, we are committed to bridging gaps and overcoming longstanding barriers,” says Dawit Demoz, Jumpstart Refugee Talent’s Program Manager, Community Relations. “We are eager to collaborate with global partners to ensure that refugee-led organizations (RLOs) are not only given a voice but also play a pivotal role in influencing and developing labour mobility pathways for refugees.”

Involving organizations, like Jumpstart Refugee Talent, at the decision-making table brings unique strengths and values, including strong community connections, an in-depth understanding of refugee experiences, and an efficient approach to solution implementation. Their support goes beyond acknowledging their contributions; it’s a key element in fulfilling the goals of the localization agenda. This agenda aims to boost the role of local and national entities in humanitarian work and decision-making.

“We, at Jumpstart Refugee Talent, invite governments worldwide to actively participate in and scale up their refugee labour mobility programs,” says Dawit. “It’s crucial to recognize the additivity of these complementary pathways, ensuring they supplement rather than replace traditional humanitarian resettlement methods. This approach offers a broader spectrum of durable solutions for refugees, enhancing their opportunities for meaningful employment and integration.”

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About Jumpstart Refugee Talent
Founded in 2016, Jumpstart Refugee Talent is a Canadian, refugee-led, charitable organization dedicated to the economic empowerment of refugees, refugee claimants, and forcibly displaced people. Jumpstart’s primary focus is to facilitate meaningful employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for these individuals, in addition to supporting them find durable solutions through complementary labor mobility pathways. www.jumpstartrefugee.ca

Media Contact 

Bassel Ramli
Co-founder and Director, Global Mobility
Jumpstart Refugee Talent
[email protected]
www.jumpstartrefugee.ca