The “Empowering Peace through Refugee Solutions in the Indian Ocean Region” project addressed critical issues faced by refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Initiated after the Youth Beyond Borders program, it involved in-depth research, stakeholder engagement, and community-driven interventions to empower marginalized populations.
The project centered on refugees in Sri Lanka and aimed to expand across the Indian Ocean region. Through preliminary research and stakeholder collaboration, the team conducted interviews with refugee families to identify their needs. Challenges such as security restrictions and language barriers were navigated effectively, leading to actionable insights.
A significant achievement was the in-person empowerment workshop in Puttalam, Sri Lanka, attended by 27 participants. The workshop cultivated a volunteer working group, equipping youth representatives from refugee families with knowledge and skills to advocate for their communities.
Public awareness was a critical component. The project leveraged mass and social media campaigns, including articles and engaging online content, to highlight refugee challenges and resilience stories. These efforts reached diverse audiences and fostered empathy and understanding.
Despite challenges, such as limited media engagement and shifting team dynamics, the project demonstrated adaptability. It successfully advocated for refugees through reports to the Sri Lankan Parliament and expanded its scope by studying refugee conditions in India.
By amplifying the voices of marginalized groups and fostering youth-led initiatives, the project made a lasting impact. It laid a sustainable foundation for continued advocacy, empowering communities and fostering peace in the region.
