'Paving the Way' Handbook - ICMC

38
There is no one way to manage and implement a resettlement programme. However, experience
shows that involving NGOs and civil society, who are often more involved in integration
services within the community than governments, helps create support for the resettlement
programme overall and ensures effective services for the local integration of refugees.
Whatever the model, it is essential to establish clear lines of communication, cooperation
and responsibility between all those involved: central (or federal) government, local authority
or municipality and civil society including NGOs, faith-based and private organisations.
3.2 Working Together - Stakeholder Cooperation
Part II - Essential Services
Every resettlement programme involves
“We have a very good relationship
with all our stake-
a variety of stakeholders, i.e. people and
organisations which will be involved in, or
holders, which enables us to
affected by, the programme, both before
overcome challenges which
and after the refugees arrive. These may
present themselves throughout
include governments, UNHCR, IOM,
the year.”
NGOs, municipalities, health services,
Helen Gray, Head of Resettlement
housing agencies, employment services
Unit, UK Borders Agency
and education services. It is useful to
establish structures that enable the flow of information and provide opportunities to discuss
issues and solve problems. Regular stakeholder meetings and review days and sharing telephone
and email contact details are good ways to ensure cooperation, and avoid difficulties.
Meetings should be held at key stages. For example, it is good practice for a meeting to
take place with all the relevant agencies before the refugees arrive, so that the government
agency responsible for the selection can share information, such as language, medical and
other specific needs of the refugee group.
“You can never start organising too soon before arrival. It is good to get everything
possible done before the refugees arrive. Also don’t underestimate how intensive the
work is and how much there is, especially at the beginning. Making good contacts with
mainstream organisations is very useful for ensuring you can carry out your work and
support refugees” Femke Hummel, Integration Service Co-ordinator, Dutch Council for
Refugees (DCFR), Netherlands, April 2011
If programmes are properly planned in advance this can ensure the smooth running of the
reception and integration phases. Good communication in the planning phase can mean
difficulties that may arise later on will be dealt with more effectively.