The Refugee Advisory Group to the CRCP: Empowering Refugee Leadership in Global Resettlement Policy

The Refugee Advisory Group (RAG) to the Consultations on Resettlement and Complementary Pathways (CRCP) stands as one of the most influential global platforms for refugee-led policy engagement. Established in 2020, the RAG ensures that refugees—those with lived experience of displacement and resettlement—actively shape international resettlement policies, commitments, and practices.

This comprehensive guide explores the mission, structure, objectives, and application process for individuals interested in joining the RAG. It is designed to help prospective applicants, refugee-led organizations, policymakers, and advocates understand the full scope of the group’s work and impact.

Overview of the Refugee Advisory Group

The Refugee Advisory Group is the official mechanism through which refugee representatives contribute to policy decision-making at the CRCP (formerly the Annual Tripartite Consultations on Resettlement—ATCR). It brings together regional, national, and global refugee leaders to collaborate with governments, UNHCR, NGOs, and other stakeholders.

The group plays a central role in shaping discussions on resettlement and complementary pathways, ensuring that refugee voices are not only heard but integrated into the planning and implementation of global resettlement strategies.

Mission of the Refugee Advisory Group

The RAG’s mission is rooted in meaningful refugee participation. It aims to create a structured, respected, and effective platform where refugee experts and refugee-led organizations (RLOs) can influence decisions that directly affect their lives and communities.

Core Mission Pillars

• Promote meaningful refugee participation in global resettlement policy-making.

• Strengthen collaboration between refugee communities and CRCP stakeholders.

• Ensure refugee-led perspectives guide the design and implementation of resettlement programs.

• Support refugee experts in contributing to sustainable, inclusive, and effective resettlement solutions.

Objectives of the Refugee Advisory Group

The RAG has established clear objectives that guide its work throughout the CRCP planning cycle:

1. Serve as a bridge between refugee communities and the CRCP ecosystem

   • Facilitate open communication between global refugee networks and CRCP stakeholders.

   • Ensure refugee perspectives are consistently represented in policy dialogues.

2. Coordinate meaningful refugee participation

   • Support refugee-led organizations and individual refugee experts in engaging with the Working Group on Resettlement and CRCP.

   • Provide structured opportunities for refugees to contribute to policy development.

3. Influence resettlement policy and commitments

   • Advocate for improved resettlement frameworks.

   • Promote policies that reflect refugee realities, needs, and aspirations.

   • Strengthen accountability among CRCP participants.

Membership Composition

The Refugee Advisory Group is composed of individuals with both lived experience of displacement and professional expertise in resettlement or complementary pathways. Members may include:

• Representatives from global and regional refugee networks

• Leaders from national and local refugee-led organizations

• Independent refugee advocates and subject‑matter experts

Members typically bring a combination of:

• Firsthand experience with resettlement or complementary pathways

• Professional or advocacy experience in refugee protection

• Deep knowledge of displacement contexts and community needs

Application Information

Applications for new members of the Refugee Advisory Group to the CRCP are open until 10 July 2026.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should:

• Complete the official application form

• Review the “Call for Applications and Frequently Asked Questions” document

• Prepare relevant background information, including experience in resettlement, complementary pathways, or refugee-led advocacy

Applicants are encouraged to highlight:

• Lived experience of displacement

• Leadership roles within refugee communities

• Contributions to resettlement or complementary pathways

• Engagement with refugee-led organizations

Why the Refugee Advisory Group Matters

The RAG is more than a consultative body—it is a transformative platform that shifts global resettlement conversations toward inclusivity, equity, and refugee leadership. Its work ensures that policies are informed by those who understand displacement firsthand.

Key Benefits of the RAG’s Work

• Strengthens global refugee representation

• Enhances the quality and sustainability of resettlement programs

• Builds trust between refugee communities and policymakers

• Promotes innovative, community-driven solutions

• Ensures accountability and transparency in resettlement commitments