CHS, UNHCR boost cooperation to support displaced people

Director of the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies Dr. Ghassan Elkahlout

The Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS), and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Doha to enhance collaboration between the two parties to promote humanitarian values, raise awareness, and advocate for the plight of refugees and forcibly displaced people, notably in the MENA region. The agreement was signed by the Director of the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies Dr. Ghassan Elkahlout and Senior Advisor to the High Commissioner and UNHCR Representative to the GCC Countries Khaled Khalifa. Under the three-year agreement, UNHCR and CHS will collaborate on joint research and studies on issues related to forced displacement, in addition to organising joint activities including capacity building and information sharing. Elkahlout said: "Forced displacement is a major challenge facing the MENA region, which accounts for almost half of the world's refugees. As CHS is a pioneer center in conflict and humanitarian studies, we hope that this partnership will engage the partners in a range of research, policy and practice activities." Khalifa said: "As the number of forcibly displaced people continues to increase due to conflict, war, persecution and human rights violations, reaching 103 million people in the first half of 2022, we are delighted to be partnering with CHS as we join efforts to advocate for their plight and promote peacebuilding and conflict resolution." He stressed the importance of unifying efforts to boost peace-building and conflict resolution. As part of the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies, the CHS is specialised research and analysis center on conflict mediation.