NGO Referrals Program

/ Resettlement & Other Pathways to Safety / NGO Referrals Program

Through the NGO Referrals Program, we have applied 15 years of resettlement experience in Nairobi to develop a model that builds the capacity of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to identify and submit cases for resettlement, expanding access to this solution. In 2022, we partnered with HIAS and the International Refugee Assistance Project to launch the Equitable Resettlement Access Consortium (ERAC). Since then, ERAC has grown a global network of NGOs that are equipped with the practical and technical skills to refer refugees for resettlement. Initially focused on U.S. referrals, ERAC has the potential to support pathways to other countries, improving access for highly vulnerable refugees.

The Crucial Role of NGOs in Expanding Access to Resettlement

Refugees in remote areas, locations that face funding challenges, or areas where resettlement programming does not exist, and refugees who belong to certain demographic groups, often experience barriers to accessing resettlement referral pathways. These barriers can leave them in life-threatening situations.

NGOs are often embedded in refugee community structures, making them well-placed to assess the protection needs of refugees and the suitability of resettlement as a durable solution. Refugees may feel safer approaching NGOs to disclose their needs, and NGOs may work in communities where larger actors do not have a presence. In these ways, localized NGOs play a crucial role in addressing key gaps and challenges in resettlement access.

NGO referrals are currently operational in two locations in Sub-Saharan Africa. Locations and partners are carefully selected to ensure that NGO referrals bridge a gap in existing resettlement access to reach highly vulnerable refugees who might not otherwise have access to resettlement opportunities. The program aims to:

RefugePoint's NGO Referrals Program Impact

Individuals Identified for Resettlement

RefugePoint onboarded Caritas Nigeria as a Direct Submission partner to the Equitable Resettlement Access Consortium (ERAC) in May 2024. During FY24, RefugePoint assisted Caritas Nigeria in identifying 62 individuals with resettlement needs and referring 31 individuals to the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).

“The training was well-structured, delivered using impactful approaches, and based on concepts that were easy to understand.” -Caritas Staff Member

Staff Members Trained

In May 2024, RefugePoint traveled to Ogoja, Cross River State, Nigeria to deliver training to 35 staff members and local stakeholders on resettlement, the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), and fraud and integrity, amongst other topics.

“Caritas Nigeria's partnership with RefugePoint on the ERAC program has been a game-changer in expanding resettlement opportunities for Cameroonian refugees in Nigeria. RefugePoint's incredible support has been invaluable, helping us strengthen our efforts and open doors to safer futures for individuals and families as they rebuild their lives with hope and dignity.”