DARLON member Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs) held a coordination meeting today at DARLON main office in Ifo to strengthen collective advocacy efforts and amplify pressing refugee concerns for urgent intervention.
The meeting brought together RLO leaders and representatives who reaffirmed their commitment to unity, collaboration, and grassroots-driven solutions.
Key issues raised and discussed during the meeting included:
1. RLOs Registration in CDMIS Portal:
Participants stressed the importance of all RLOs registering in the official CDMIS portal to strengthen recognition, accountability, and collaboration with stakeholders.
2. Joint Advocacy Efforts & Collaboration:
The participants believed this meeting as a renewed call for stronger unity and coordination among RLOs, thus, made commitment to improve collective impacts and working relationships.
3. Differentiated Assistance (DA):
Concerns were raised about how DA has negatively impacted the most vulnerable households.
4. Human Trafficking Crisis:
The participants raised grave concerns about the rising number of youth held captive in Libya, tortured, and exploited for ransom or organ trafficking highlight the urgent need for local/regional/international attention.
5. Humanitarian Services Breakdown:
Refugees face worsening shortages in water, food, healthcare, education, protection services, and livelihood opportunities.
6. Incentive Wages:
Despite being categorized in 3 and 4, incentive workers still earn less than 80 USD per month, which is unfair, unsustainable and undermines their living conditions and livelihoods.
7. Insecurity in the Camps:
Increasing robbery and theft, with/without violent incidents even during the day, worsening safety concerns.
8. Legal Barriers and Documentations:
Lack of proper documentation is making refugees more vulnerable and limiting access to vital services, thus the participants urge partners to support DARLON advocate for the smooth implementation of the Refugee Act 2021 and Shirika Plan to ease refugees accessing work permit, business licensing, and freedom of movement.
9. Direct Funding for RLOs:
Members emphasized the urgent need for direct donor support to RLOs to sustain their work and reach communities effectively.
10. Grassroots Capacity-Building:
Strengthening newly formed RLOs through training and internal support remains a top priority.
11. Reporting:
Members agreed to enhance accountability by sharing activity reports with the DARLON Board.
Call to Action
DARLON member RLOs are united in their demand for urgent humanitarian response and meaningful engagement of refugee-led organizations.
We call on UNHCR, humanitarian agencies, donors, and relevant authorities to act swiftly to address the growing crisis and to empower RLOs as equal partners in shaping solutions.
