The Umbrella Refugee Committee (URC) is a platform led by, for and with forcibly displaced people.
We are a UNHCR supported initiative currently coordinating nine independent refugee committees in Belgium.
Since 2019, we have been empowering refugees and diaspora communities to help the state meet its international protection obligations and improve society’s approach to migration.
“Refugee-led initiatives are not just about participation;
they are about empowerment, dignity, and building a brighter future for all.”
Ahmad Wali Ahmad Yar (Umbrella Refugee Committee’s President)
10 committees united in diversity
Our organisation is composed of nine independent committees coordinated by the action of another one that unites them in diversity: the Umbrella Refugee Committee.
All of our committees are led by refugees who work together to improve lives.
Who is part of the
Umbrella Refugee Committee?
The Representatives
The Administrative Board
The Volunteers
The URC is composed of two elected representatives from each of our nine independent committees alongside the President. All representatives actively participate as voting members in both the General Assembly and the organisation’s regular meetings.
Additionally, the URC includes two representatives from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) who facilitate the existence and the growth of the organisation on a daily basis.
Key to the organisation, the Administrative Board is a body of 8 members from different committees.
It includes the President, the Secretary-General, the Treasurer, and the heads of Events and Trainings, Fundraising, Logistics, Internal Affairs, and Media and Communication.
These members are elected by the committees, ensuring the protection of the AGD (Age, Gender, and Diversity) criteria.
The URC is also bolstered by a team of devoted volunteers who offer their support across multiple fronts, including events organisation, fostering community connections, or assisting administrative tasks.
Their unwavering commitment greatly amplifies our capacity to effect positive change.
Through this composition, the Umbrella Refugee Committee serves as
a unified and powerful voice, representing both the national and the underrepresented communities of our nine refugee committees.
How are our refugees empowering society?
To achieve our mission of improving lives and narratives surrounding refugees with the aim of making them full members of society, our project involves regular consultations with actors at various institutional levels. By this, we ensure the inclusion of refugees in policy-making.
Moreover, we focus on key areas including housing, employment, education, healthcare, social protection, data gathering, and cultural support.
With this approach, we have become a trusted stakeholder and a key figure in facilitating the successful integration of refugee communities into Belgian society.
“A promising practice in
community engagement in Belgium”
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
The recognition of our organisation as a model practice in community engagement has inspired other countries to establish their own refugee committees. Notably, we provided assistance to Ireland in setting up their refugee-led organisation by offering guidance and sharing best practices.
In line with our goal to expand these refugee-led practices globally, we proactively support these new initiatives and welcome collaborations to further advance community engagement worldwide.
Would you like to establish a collaboration? Contact us!
administration@refugee-committee.org
At the Umbrella Refugee Committee (URC) we believe that collaborative efforts are crucial to creating sustainable solutions and improving refugees’ life quality. Therefore, we are open to collaborations with all organisations, including government and non-governmental entities, academia, sports and cultural institutions, and any other groups committed to supporting refugees.
We are eager to get involved in your projects, provide insights based on our experience, and work together to develop innovative strategies for refugee support and integration. Our experience in community-led initiatives, resource distribution, and refugee advocacy can significantly contribute to your projects, whether you need support in data collection, community outreach, or programme implementation; the URC is ready to assist. Likewise, we invite you to partner with us, share your expertise, and benefit from our unique refugee perspective.
By joining forces, we can continue to amplify refugee’s voices, harness their invaluable insights, and create a more inclusive society for everyone, ensuring that refugees receive the comprehensive support they need and deserve. Only together we will make a meaningful impact and help build a brighter future for refugees in Belgium and beyond.
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