SALAM for Democracy and Human Rights (SALAM DHR) is proud to announce its selection as a member of the Global Advisory Board of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for organizations led by forcibly displaced and stateless persons, for a two-year term from 2026 to 2028.
This selection comes as part of a highly competitive global process in which 385 organizations from around the world applied. Applications underwent a careful review process based on pre-defined criteria, with the participation of UNHCR technical teams, Regional Bureaux, and refugee advisors.
The Advisory Board is an important space for strengthening the meaningful participation of organizations led by communities affected by forced displacement and statelessness. It provides strategic advice to UNHCR at the global level, drawing on field experience, community knowledge, and lived experiences. The Board also contributes to strengthening partnerships with these organizations and ensuring that international discussions and policies reflect the realities, needs, and priorities of affected communities.
SALAM DHR’s selection reflects recognition of its continued work in defending human rights, like issues of statelessness, the right to nationality, and the protection of groups affected by deprivation of legal status. It also reflects SALAM DHR’s efforts in documenting violations, international advocacy, and strengthening the participation of persons affected by statelessness in human rights discussions and public policy.
In this context, Jawad Fairooz, Director of SALAM DHR, said:
“We are proud that SALAM DHR has been selected to join this global advisory board, especially given that the selection process was highly competitive. For us, this selection is a recognition of the importance of involving organizations that work closely on issues of statelessness and forced displacement in shaping international policies, and of ensuring that the voices of affected communities are present in discussions that concern their rights and future.”
SALAM reaffirms its commitment to continuing its work to strengthen the protection of stateless persons, defend the right to nationality, and advocate for more inclusive and just policies based on the meaningful participation of those affected by these issues. The organization is also a member of the Advisory Committee of the Global Alliance to End Statelessness, affiliated with UNHCR.
