To strengthen collaboration on refugee issues in Korea and to actively participate in international discussions on refugee protection, we will convene the Korea Refugee Forum.
Venue | Grand Hall, Sahyang Convergence Gymnasium, Seoul National University of Education
Date | Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 09:00–18:00 KT
Organized by | UNHCR Korea, National Human Rights Commission of Korea, Korea Refugee Rights Network, Korea Refugee Research Network
Hosted by | Migration to Asia Peace
Invitation
We cordially invite you to join this forum for dialogue and collaboration.
Around the world, the scale of forced displacement has continued to reach record highs in recent years, driven by conflicts, persecution, human rights violations, the climate crisis, and other compounding factors. As a result, the need for international solidarity and responsibility-sharing to ensure protection and durable solutions has become more urgent than ever. In this context, the Republic of Korea, as a country that offers protection to refugees and asylum-seekers, has been admitting refugees through various pathways, including resettlement. In addition, a wide range of actors—central and local governments, civil society organizations, religious institutions, academia and educational institutions, the private sector, sports organizations, and refugee groups and communities—have been taking on expanding roles in contributing to international refugee protection.
As international refugee protection and response have become increasingly complex and multilayered, there is a growing need to reflect on past achievements and challenges, and to articulate and reconfigure Korea’s future direction in responding to refugee issues. The Korea Refugee Forum has been convened by the UNHCR Korea, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea, the Korea Refugee Rights Network, and the Korea Refugee Studies Network to provide a space where diverse stakeholders, including refugees themselves, can come together for collective discussion. The Forum aims to review progress on the commitments made at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum, share domestic refugee needs, good practices, and available resources, and create opportunities to actively engage in global discussions on refugee protection, including identifying new commitments.
Roadmap of the 2025 Korea Refugee Forum
기본 원칙
Whole-of-Society Approach
A broad range of stakeholders—including government entities, civil society organizations, refugee-led organizations, academic and educational institutions, religious groups, the private sector, and the media—come together.
Meaningful Refugee Participation
Through a refugee reference group, refugees participate in decision-making processes and activities that directly impact their lives.
Facilitating Dialogue and Collaboration
By presenting stakeholder initiatives, plans, and examples of refugee resilience and contributions, the Forum promotes dialogue and collaboration across sectors.
프로그램
eference| Plenary Session | ||
| 09:00-09:30 | Registration | |
| 09:30-10:00 | Opening Remarks and Welcoming Addresses by Co-Hosting Organizations and Key Invited Institutions | |
| 10:00-10:30 | Introduction to the Global Compact on Refugees & the Global Refugee Forum — UNHCR Headquarters | |
| 10:30-12:00 | Mid-Term Progress Review of Global Refugee Forum Pledges — Pledge-Making Institutions | |
| 12:00-12:30 | Future Roadmap of the Korea Refugee Forum — Refugee Reference Group | |
| 12:30-13:30 | Lunch | |
| Thematic Session | ||
| 13:30-14:50 | Ensuring Access to Protection: Asylum Procedures, Legal Assistance, and Rights Safeguards | Expanding Opportunities: Socioeconomic Inclusion and Self-Reliance |
| 14:50-15:10 | Coffee & Networking | |
| 15:10-16:30 | Achieving Health and Well-Being for All: Strengthening Resilience through Social Safety-Net Integration | Securing a Sustainable Future: From Early Childhood Education to Higher Education |
| 16:30-16:50 | Coffee & Networking | |
| Closing Session | ||
| 16:50-17:30 | Open Insight Session | |
| 17:30-18:00 | Presentation of 2025 Korea Refugee Forum Outcomes and Statement | |