The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in Promoting Education Access for Refugees
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play an increasingly prominent role in national and international politics, but not all of them are working for a better society. For example, some NGOs have been accused of not being as transparent and accountable as they claim to be, and of making false claims to represent the poorest populations for fund-raising purposes.
NGOs’ accountability and transparency
The Human Rights Watch (HRW) report analyzes public reporting by government and UN agencies on education aid in Syria and Jordan. It focuses on whether the agencies’ aid is focused on promoting education access for refugees and vulnerable host communities. It also examines whether donor-funded projects have met their commitments, such as meeting pledges made at the London conference. The report also examines the United Nations’ and Jordan’s mechanisms to track funds. It also evaluates data published by the International Aid Transparency Initiative Standard.
A study carried out in Thailand found that refugees’ primary desire was to receive a full academic education. However, all the INGO employees interviewed were only willing to provide basic literacy education through community learning centres. These learning centres often employ uncertified teachers who teach a few hours a week. As a result, these centres may only provide basic education and may not provide access to higher education.
NGO’s have become an increasingly important force in international affairs. They have a wide range of functions, ranging from advocating for specific policies to monitoring environmental regulations and monitoring human rights. In addition to these services, NGOs have also been critical players in developing international norms and rules.
In the refugee context, the role of international non-governmental organizations in providing educational opportunities to refugees is particularly problematic. Refugees are dependent upon INGOs for basic education and hope to be resettled in a Western country. This relationship is complex as it combines the unequal hierarchy of the INGO patron and the refugee client. Nonetheless, these relationships have advantages for both parties.
Their ability to address equity concerns
Educators play a critical role in promoting the educational success of refugees. Refugee children bring unique skills and knowledge to the classroom. They need support to preserve their home cultures while developing U.S.-based skills. In addition, educators should be aware of the needs of refugee students and their families.
Education International welcomed the progress reported in the GCR Indicator Report, however, it was equally concerned by the fact that 1.8 million refugee children are still out of school. This demonstrates the pandemic impact of the refugee crisis on the most vulnerable in society, including children in education. To overcome this problem, the Organization called on governments to conduct educational equity audits. This would help to identify exacerbated educational inequities and formulate recovery plans.
In addition to examining the role of education in the wellbeing of refugee children, the research also found that many of these children suffer from mental health problems. Therefore, promoting education equity is an important step to overcoming social inequalities and improving health. However, addressing equity concerns in education may not be a simple matter.
While most interviewees recognized that refugee pupils have specific needs, some educators expressed a lack of support or access to essential services. This has led to limited resources and inadequate accountability measurement. Such inflexible systems may reinforce existing migration-related health inequities.
Their contribution to UNHCR’s online survey on migrants’ and refugees’ health
In recent years, the health of migrants and refugees has become a central theme in global discussions on migration and development. The growing population of migrants and refugees presents unique challenges to health systems and services worldwide. These migrants often face physical and mental health problems. In addition, many are at risk of contracting infectious diseases and chronic conditions. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has hampered the ability of health systems to meet the needs of migrant and refugee populations.
The UNHCR’s SENS surveys measure key health indicators, including acute malnutrition and anemia. The survey also collects information about infant feeding practices, access to food assistance, and access to safe water. Since its inception in 2010, UNHCR and partners have collected data for over 600 surveys, and the results have been critical to health, WASH, and food security programming.
The survey provides data on health services and needs of migrants and refugees in non-camp locations. It helps identify trends in health care delivery and expenditure, and it helps monitor the impact of legislative barriers on the health of migrants and refugees. The results of the survey can be used to help policymakers understand the extent of health care needs, and identify gaps and opportunities in improving the health of refugees and migrants.
The health needs of migrants and refugees are often unknown to the host country, so it is crucial to obtain accurate information on their health. The UNHCR uses multiple tools and surveys to gather and analyze this data. In addition, the UNHCR’s Integrated Refugee Health Information System (iRHIS) is a comprehensive database of health information on refugees and migrants.
