Refugee Advisory Panel
The Refugee Advisory Panel works to support government decision-makers and policy developers on matters impacting refugees in New Zealand.
The purpose of the panel is to:
- provide former refugees in New Zealand an opportunity to participate in the development of refugee settlement strategies and policies in an effective and meaningful manner
- ensure former refugee interests, perspectives and knowledge inform and influence strategic direction and policies on regional, national and international refugee issues
- include former refugees in relevant New Zealand government delegations.
Refugees Seeking Equal Access at the Table (R-SEAT)
Centre for Asia Pacific Refugee Studies (CAPRS)
Role of the Refugee Advisory Panel
As a panel member you will use your skills to:
- ensure decision-making is informed from the perspective of former refugees
- provide advice and feedback on international, regional and national refugee issues
- advise on the development of refugee policies, programmes and strategies
- identify and actively take part in work that improves the lives of refugees in New Zealand.
Panel Members
| Name | Location | Date appointed |
|---|---|---|
| Antoinette Umugwaneza | Palmerston North | 18 July 2022 |
| Ayan Said | Auckland | 18 July 2022 |
| Julia Sheikh | Auckland | 18 July 2022 |
| Madiha Ali | Hamilton | 18 July 2022 |
| Mustafa Derbashi | Auckland | 18 July 2022 |
| Oo Meh Nga | Wellington | 18 July 2022 |
| Paula Santacruz | Wellington | 18 July 2022 |
| Rabia Talal Almbaid | Dunedin | 18 July 2022 |
| Sahra Ahmed | Christchurch | 18 July 2022 |
Media release - 16 May 2022
Refugee Advisory Panel applications now open