Empowering Companies to
Make a Difference for
Refugee Children and Families

In the wake of the recent devastating tragedy involving the sinking of a fishing boat off the coast of Greece, with an estimated 750 people on board, including approximately 100 children, the world is once again confronted with one of the most heart-wrenching migrant incidents in recent memory. This catastrophic event serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for global solidarity and support for those who are forced to flee unimaginable hardships and distressing situations.

The UNHCR just released their annual flagship report, Global Trends in Forced Displacement 2022, which found that by the end of 2022, the number of people displaced by war, persecution, violence and human rights abuses stood at a record 108.4 million, up 19.1 million on a year earlier, which was the biggest ever increase – approximately 40% are children below 18 years of age.

And while the war in Ukraine has pushed up refugee statistics, children from many other countries, such as South Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, Myanmar and Somalia, have been forcibly displaced from their homes due to conflict, persecution, or violence. This is a staggering statistic considering that these children are on the move at a time in their life that is critical for their well-being and prospects.

Refugee children often experience disrupted education, limited access to healthcare, and psychological trauma resulting from their displacement. They may also face discrimination, social exclusion, and the risk of exploitation. Additionally, the protracted nature of many refugee crises means that these children often spend a significant portion of their childhood in limbo, lacking stability and the opportunity to thrive.

Despite these hardships, refugee children demonstrate remarkable resilience and potential. With the support and collective efforts of governments, organizations, and companies working towards ensuring that every refugee child has access to safety, education, healthcare, and the opportunities they need to build a brighter future, children can thrive. Especially companies, with their resources, influence, and reach, play a crucial role in positively impacting refugee families.

What are some meaningful ways companies can support refugee children and their families, providing them with hope, opportunities, and a chance for a brighter future?

1. Empower refugees through employment: Create inclusive opportunities by offering job training, internships, and employment to refugees, enabling them to support their families and build a stable future.
2. Leverage your purpose for social impact: Use your company’s resources and unique business models to address refugee challenges. For example, an internet service provider could extend its coverage to refugee camps, ensuring connectivity and access to information; a tech company could initiate trainee programs, equipping refugees with valuable skills for future employment.

4. Provide Educational Support: Education is a powerful tool for empowerment and social integration tool. Companies can collaborate with nonprofit organizations and educational institutions to provide scholarships, mentorship programs, and vocational training opportunities for refugee children and youth.
5. Advocate for change and create opportunities: Break down barriers by advocating for policy amendments that streamline refugee employment. Offer dignified and inclusive opportunities, fair wages, safe working conditions, and non-discriminatory hiring practices to foster a fair and equitable workforce.

Companies supporting refugees

We have seen good examples from companies focusing on the refugee community. For example, in a first-of-its-kind collaboration, Microsoft, Barclays LifeSkills and LinkedIn are teaming up with the organization Breaking Barriers to take on the dual challenge of finding refugee employment and developing the digital and core employability skills needed for today’s economy.

Another example is The IKEA Foundation (the philanthropic arm of IKEA), which has committed significant funds to support refugee children and families. They work with UNHCR and other partners to provide shelter, education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities for refugees globally.

Starbucks also initiated a program to hire 10,000 refugees worldwide and provide them with job training and support. They have committed to hiring thousands of refugees globally, helping them integrate into local communities and rebuild their lives.

Through its “Open Homes” program, Airbnb encourages hosts to offer free temporary accommodations to refugees and displaced persons. The Airbnb.org team has connected more than 100,000 refugees and asylum seekers to temporary housing, including more than 50,000 people who fled the Ukraine conflict.

And Unilever is engaged in various initiatives to support refugee communities by providing hygiene and sanitation products, investing in skills training programs, and supporting social enterprises that empower refugees to become self-sufficient.

The challenges faced by refugee children and families are immense, but the collective efforts of companies can make a significant difference in their lives. By fostering inclusive employment, providing educational support, partnering with local initiatives, and advocating for policy change, companies can help create a more inclusive and compassionate world for children.

*A refugee is someone who fled his or her home and country owing to “a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion”, according to the United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention. Many refugees are in exile to escape the effects of natural or human-made disasters.