In June 2025, Jose Tombe, member of the New Zealand Refugee Advisory Panel (NZRAP), joined the New Zealand government delegation to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to be part of Consultations on Resettlement and Complementary Pathways (CRCP) in Geneva.
This high-level forum brought together over 100 refugee leaders from across the globe to engage with governments, UN agencies, and civil society on advancing refugee leadership, protection, and solutions. As part of the official delegation, NZRAP contributed strategic insights and suggestions on meaningful refugee participation, community sponsorship, labour mobility, and education access—core themes in the International refugee response.
Global Gaps and Shared Responsibility: A recurring theme at CRCP was the shrinking space for durable solutions. Only 30,000 resettlement places are projected globally —a fraction of the growing need. In his opening remarks, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi reminded participants: “We cannot meet today’s refugee challenges with yesterday’s tools. Refugee participation is not optional—it’s essential for legitimacy, sustainability, and dignity.”
Education Pathway: Globally, only 6% of refugees access tertiary education. CRCP delegates highlighted the structural barriers faced by refugee students—from lack of recognition of prior qualifications to unstable funding for scholarships. Discussions urged governments to expand bridging and transition pathways, especially for youth in protracted displacement.
Labour Mobility Pathway: Labour mobility was presented as a key complementary pathway—a way to offer protection through economic inclusion. In this context, complementary pathways like labour mobility, education scholarships, and family reunification are not “nice-to-haves”—they are essential mechanisms of protection. NZRAP joined others in advocating for policies that recognise refugees not only as people in need, but as future workers, students, and community leaders.
Reflections from NZRAP: “Being part of the New Zealand government delegation to CRCP 2025 was an invaluable opportunity for NZRAP—not only to represent skilled lived refugee expertise at the highest level, but to help shape international dialogue on the future of protection. The experience enabled the Panel to engage directly on emerging opportunities in labour mobility and education access, and to share Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique approach to meaningful refugee participation. It was also a powerful moment to build bridges with other refugee advisory panels across the globe, learning from their experiences, leadership, and innovative practices. Special thanks to all the organisations involved in the preparation, implementation, and development of this journey. In particular, Immigration New Zealand, RSEAT, CAPRS, and all the incredible team and members of the NZRAP, your dedication and trust made this possible.” (Jose Tombe)