Journal of Immigrant and Refugee Studies
2019

“We Were Not Merely Participating; We Were Leading the Discussions”: Participation and Self-Representation of Refugee Young People in International Advocacy (Article)

Lenette C.* , Bordbar A. , Hazara A. , Lang E. , Yahya S.
  • a University of NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  • b Independent Youth Advocate, Sydney, Australia
  • c Independent Youth Advocate, Canberra, Australia
  • d Independent Youth Advocate, Perth, Australia
  • e Independent Youth Advocate, Canberra, Australia

Abstract

There is increased commitment to the participation and self-representation of people with lived experiences as refugees and asylum seekers in advocacy, especially at international, high-level events. However, we know very little about what opportunities and challenges such processes present. This paper reports on findings from a research project on youth participation and self-representation at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in collaboration with two young women and two young men from refugee backgrounds who live in Australia. We contribute new perspectives to contemporary debates on the potential for participation and self-representation in high-level consultations to effect policy change. © 2019, © 2019 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Author Keywords

Engagement Self-advocacy Consultations Meaningful participation Gender issues Refugee advocates

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85074502318&doi=10.1080%2f15562948.2019.1679404&partnerID=40&md5=4dd2f87a78c94257b2f16db8c646dba5
DOI: 10.1080/15562948.2019.1679404
ISSN: 15562948
Original Language: English