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Working Together Towards a Shared Vision at the Global Family Reunification Network (FRUN) Conference: Reuniting More Refugee Families

One of the ways that RefugePoint helps refugees to find lasting solutions is through family reunification, which helps separated families who have been torn apart by war or persecution to reunite. 

RefugePoint plays a leading role in global policy conversations related to family reunification. In 2020, RefugePoint spearheaded the creation of the Global Family Reunification Network (FRUN), in collaboration with UNHCR and other members of the network’s Advisory Group, and we currently host and staff the FRUN Secretariat. The first global platform devoted to family reunification for refugees, the FRUN draws together key stakeholders, experts and academics to promote and facilitate greater access to family reunification globally.

In October 2024, the FRUN convened its annual conference in Istanbul, Türkiye. The conference, attended by 60 participants, fostered collaboration among FRUN members and strengthened the global movement working towards reuniting refugee families.

Elevating Refugee Voices in Problem-Solving

In our new role as FRUN Secretariat, RefugePoint played a key role in organizing and shaping the conference, leveraging our expertise and commitment to finding lasting solutions for refugees. 

In keeping with our goal of amplifying refugee voices, RefugePoint committed to financing the attendance of eight participants from refugee-led organizations (RLOs). Although just four of these funded RLO representatives were issued visas to join the conference, together with other participants with lived experience of forced displacement, they shared perspectives and expertise that added great value to the discussions. Their contributions were particularly helpful in increasing participants’ understanding of the challenges that refugees face in accessing family reunification and highlighting the need for practical advice and support for refugee families throughout the family reunification process.

These discussions inspired many in the FRUN community to strengthen partnerships with RLOs and diaspora organizations, and RefugePoint emerged from the conference with a renewed commitment to making the FRUN more inclusive, ensuring that refugee voices remain at the forefront of these critical conversations.

 

Global Family Reunification Network (FRUN) aims to reunite more refugee families.
In October 2024, the Global FRUN convened its annual conference in Istanbul, Türkiye. The conference, attended by 60 participants, fostered collaboration among FRUN members and strengthened the global movement working towards reuniting refugee families.

 

 

Building Global Momentum for Family Reunification

The FRUN conference was more than just a platform for discussion—it was an inspiring reminder that we are part of a dynamic and growing global movement advancing refugee family reunification around the world. 

FRUN network members Turkish Red Crescent, Refugee Rights Turkey, and the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) arranged visits to their Istanbul premises, allowing conference participants to identify direct connections between group work discussions and on-the-ground family reunification efforts.

In addition to the site visits, rich dialogue and collaborative workshops left participants with a deeper understanding of the key areas in need of support for family reunification. They also highlighted good practices and opportunities to support innovation to advance refugee family reunification efforts. 

Looking Forward: Next Steps for FRUN

FRUN members operate in a wide diversity of contexts, but this event highlighted that all members are united by a shared goal of safely reuniting refugee families. The conference also highlighted areas for future collaboration, particularly in ensuring that legal and practical assistance is accessible to the families who need those supports most. As the FRUN Secretariat, RefugePoint will continue to champion the inclusion of refugee-led organizations and advocate for solutions that address the challenges faced by refugees seeking family reunification.

Acknowledgments

The success of the 2024 FRUN conference would not have been possible without the collective efforts of many individuals and organizations. We extend our sincere gratitude to:

  • UNHCR for hosting the conference in Istanbul, with support from RefugePoint.
  • The Multi-Stakeholder Family Reunification Pledge leaders for mobilizing their community for this event. (Read more about the Multi-Stakeholder Pledge to Support Refugee Family Reunification from the 2023 Global Refugee Forum)
  • The FRUN Advisory Group members for facilitating group sessions and supporting conference planning.
  • FRUN members Turkish Red Crescent, Refugee Rights Turkey, and the EU Agency for Asylum (EUAA) for organizing site visits that offered participants a firsthand look at family reunification efforts in action.
  • A special thanks to IRAP for financially supporting the participation of refugee-led organizations in conjunction with RefugePoint, ensuring that refugee voices were an integral part of the conference dialogue.

As the FRUN moves forward, RefugePoint remains dedicated to fostering collaboration,  driving collective action and promoting systems change to ensure that every refugee family has the opportunity to reunite and rebuild their lives in safety.