Launch of the Arab States 2019 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report on migration, displacement and education: Building bridges not walls

Hotel Africa, Tunis, 30 November 2019, 10:00-11:30 AM

No region is as affected by migration and displacement as the Arab States. The resulting challenges call for education systems to adapt. They require that states have the administrative, financial and human resource capacity necessary to effectively respond to the diverse and complex needs of these populations – from language courses to recognition of qualifications. This response is vital: education holds the key to preparing and welcoming migrant and displaced populations, strengthening their sense of belonging, and supporting host communities; education is a central part of the inclusion process.

The first regional edition of the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report published by UNESCO, the Arab States Migration, displacement and education: Building bridges, not walls Report analyses the impact of these population movements on education systems in the region and presents a series of recommendations to protect the right to education of those on the move.

Drawing on the global analysis provided by 2019 GEM Report and informed by new high-quality research, the Arab States Report offers new insights into migration, displacement and education issues in the region. The publication includes new case studies including on internal migration in Egypt; international schools in the Gulf; double shift schools in Lebanon; curricula for Palestine refugees; and internal displacement in Iraq, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

The Syria conflict has called for huge efforts on the part of education policy makers in the region, who have trialled different approaches to helping those displaced continue their education. The flow of migrants to the Gulf States has also resulted in different policy approaches by education ministries explored in the Report.

The publication emphasizes the importance of including migrants and refugees within national education systems, and shows the challenges countries face in the region to maintain strong inclusive systems. It analyses the impact that reforming approaches to teacher preparation can have on addressing the challenges and opportunities posed by migration and displacement. The Report gives voice to experiences in host and home communities and its analysis, conclusions and recommendations advance the aims of SDG 4 and its call to leave no one behind. A year from the signing of the two Global Compact on Migration and Refugees it is also a policy-making tool for those tasked with implementing the compacts’ commitments.

The event

The Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report, the Arab Campaign for Education for All (ACEA) and The Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES) will co-host a launch of the 2019 GEM Arab States Report during the annual meeting of the Arab Campaign for Education for All in Tunis, Tunisia.

The launch will bring together civil society representatives, education policy makers, migration and development experts and key education stakeholders from across the region. The event will draw attention to the way these population flows are impacting education, and discuss what practical actions can be taken to remove the barriers that migrants and refugees face in accessing a quality education system.

Agenda

Contacts

Mounir Hassine, Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES), hassine.mounir2011@gmail.com

Refat Sabbah, President of the Global Campaign for Education (GCE) and the General Secretary of the Arab Coalition for Education for All (ACEA), refat@teachercc.org

Kate Linkins, Programme Specialist, policy impact and strategic events, GEM Report, UNESCO k.linkins@unesco.org