Refugees as Diaspora Partners

• Hybrid event
• 2420R, Richcraft Hall, Carleton University
• 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6
• Zoom meeting link
• Cost: Free

• Contact
• Migration and Diaspora Studies , MDS@carleton.ca, 613-520-3858

Further to the theme for International Development Week 2026, “Prosperity through Partnership”, this event explores how refugee communities and networks in Canada act as engaged diaspora communities to contribute to peace, assistance and inclusion in partnership with refugee communities globally. Given that more than 75% of the world’s refugees are in the Global South, typically in host countries that border countries of origin, the event will specifically consider how refugee-led initiatives in Canada, including those by Latin American, Congolese, Rohingya and Syrian refugees, contribute to refugee-led responses in major regions of refugee origin. 

Confirmed speakers at the event are:

• Maria Prieto (RAN Canada and Action Réfugiés Montreal), discussing the role of Latin American refugee communities in Canada and information sharing on the Colombia/Venezuelan border
• Saifullah Muhammad (RAN Canada and Rohingya Centre of Canada), talking about the role of the Rohingya refugee community in Canada in advancing changes for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh
• Stellah Nikuze (RAN Canada and UNHCR Refugee Advisory Group), presenting on efforts by refugees in Canada for refugees in the Great Lakes region of Africa
• Mustafa Alio (R-SEAT and Jumpstart), sharing reflections on his on-going work to connect Syrian refugees in the diaspora with rebuilding efforts in Syria

Research on diaspora communities have long understood that diaspora communities in countries like Canada make important contributions to development in their home countries through remittances, advocacy, and commercial exchange. In a similar way, research in recent years has highlighted the critical role of refugee-led organizations in major refugee hosting countries are key actors in providing for the needs of their community, through assistance, social protection and the provision of a range of services. Building on this evidence, this event will explore how refugee communities in Canada work transnationally with refugee-led initiatives globally to advance more effective, efficient and accountable responses to the needs of refugees.

More systematic engagement with refugee communities in Canada presents a critical opportunity for the Government of Canada’s work in contributing to global refugee responses. At a time when funding for humanitarian action is constrained and as the international refugee system looks for ways to respond to refugee needs in a more timely, efficient and accountable way, closer collaboration between Canada’s humanitarian system and refugee-led initiatives in Canada can further advance Canada’s position as a global humanitarian leader.

This event is a partnership between the Refugee Advisory Network of Canada (RAN Canada) and the Migration and Diaspora Studies program at Carleton University. Established in 2020, RAN Canada works to promote the meaningful participation of refugees in Canada’s engagement with the international refugee system. RAN Canada advocates for and strives to achieve the meaningful inclusion of the perspectives, skills, and knowledge of refugees in global policy and decision-making processes that affect the lives of refugees. RAN Canada works to bring the perspectives, skills, and knowledge of refugees into public discourse, policy discussions, and wider discussions on refugees.