Education and Engineering Department at cs

Education

1. Education and Migration for Refugees and Minorities: Global Perspectives and Legal Frameworks MD. Mahmudun Noby Rupok Lecturer & Head (Acting) LL.B(Hons.) & LL.M Bangladesh University of Professionals

2. Introduction Education and migration are closely linked. Refugees and minorities face multiple challenges. Displacement and discrimination limit opportunities. Global and regional policies shape solutions.

3. Presentation Outline Refugees and Minorities. International Legal Frameworks. Refugees in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, the United States, and Europe. Importance of Education. Key Challenges and Opportunities. Strengthen Legal and Policy Frameworks. Integration, Partnerships, and International Support. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Conclusion. 01. 02. 03. 04. 05. 06. 07. 08.

4. Refugees and Minorities Refugees flee persecution or conflict. Minorities differ by ethnicity, religion, or language. Refugees have international legal protection. Minorities often depend on national laws.

5. International Legal Frameworks The 1951 Refugee Convention defines rights and obligations. Non-refoulement prohibits returning refugees to danger. Refugees have the right to education under Article 22. Refugees have the right to work and earn wages. The 1967 Protocol expanded protections worldwide.

6. Refugees in Bangladesh Bangladesh is not part of the 1951 Refugee Convention. No specific national refugee law exists. Over one million Rohingya refugees live in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. Legal status is temporary with restrictions on movement and jobs.

7. Refugees in India India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention. Refugees are treated as foreigners under the Foreigners Act of 1946. The Supreme Court uses human rights principles for protection. Refugee rights vary by state and situation.

8. Refugees in Pakistan Pakistan has hosted Afghan refugees for decades. Proof of Registration ( PoR ) cards grant temporary status. PoR cards provide limited access to services. Expiry of PoR cards in 2025 may risk deportation.

9. Refugees in the United States The U.S. Refugee Act of 1980 created a legal framework. Refugees can be resettled from abroad or apply for asylum. Refugees are eligible for permanent residency after one year. Policy changes have reduced protections for some groups.

10. Refugees in Europe European countries have diverse refugee policies. The EU supports integration through education and training. Programs include language support and recognition of qualifications. Disparities remain in access to quality education.

11. Importance of Education Education is a basic human right. It empowers individuals with skills for self-reliance. It promotes social integration with host communities. It supports psychosocial well-being after trauma. It breaks cycles of poverty and marginalization.

12. Education in Bangladesh Over one million Rohingya children have limited opportunities. Access to formal education is restricted by the government. Informal learning centers exist but lack accreditation. Programs are underfunded and insufficient.

13. Education in India The Right to Education Act (2009) covers all children. Refugee children are entitled to free primary education. Implementation is inconsistent across states. Many refugee children face social and religious barriers.

14. Education in Pakistan The Constitution guarantees free education for ages 5–16. Afghan refugee children can enroll with valid documents. Language and cultural differences create challenges. Limited resources affect integration and quality.

15. Key Challenges Mass displacement and immediate humanitarian needs limit education access. Legal gaps leave many refugees and minorities without secure status. Overcrowded and under-resourced schools reduce learning quality. Language and curriculum incompatibility hinder progression. Limited recognition of foreign qualifications prevents decent work. Discrimination, xenophobia, and social exclusion obstruct integration. Mental health and psychosocial needs are often unmet.

16. Opportunities Refugees and minorities bring skills, resilience, and cultural diversity. Education and vocational training can convert displacement into productivity. Community-based programs can strengthen social cohesion. Recognition of qualifications increases labor market participation. International cooperation can mobilize resources and expertise.

17. Strengthen Legal and Policy Frameworks Implement international refugee standards including the 1951 Convention and 1967 Protocol where possible. Create inclusive national policies guaranteeing access to education, health, and work. Simplify and speed up asylum and residency procedures. Ensure legal protection against refoulement and discrimination.

18. Expand Access to Education Increase investment in public schools and infrastructure in host areas. Provide scholarships, catch-up classes, and bridge programs. Train teachers in inclusive and multicultural pedagogy. Support non-formal, vocational, and accelerated learning pathways. Pursue accreditation paths for informal learning centers.

19. Promote Employment and Livelihoods Grant legal authorization for refugees to work and earn wages. Recognize foreign qualifications and provide credentialing pathways. Offer vocational training, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship support. Link refugee-targeted programs to broader host-country economic development. Protect labor rights and prevent exploitation in informal sectors.

20. Integration, Partnerships, and International Support Implement community engagement and anti-discrimination campaigns. Encourage refugee participation in civic and social activities. Strengthen partnerships with UNHCR, UNICEF, UNESCO, and NGOs. Mobilize donor funding and technical assistance for hosting states. Share cross-border knowledge and best practices on education inclusion.

21. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Conclusion Regularly collect data and evaluate program impact to identify gaps. Adapt policies based on evidence and stakeholder feedback. Education is essential for protection, empowerment, and social cohesion. Inclusive policies, adequate resources, and cooperation transform challenges into opportunities. Call to action: invest in education and rights to build resilient, equitable societies.

22. THANK YOU