With forced displacement surpassing 120 million people globally and humanitarian funding under growing strain, we believe sport remains a powerful yet underused tool for protection, wellbeing, and social inclusion.
Ahead of the Global Refugee Forum Progress Review, as a member of the Sport for Refugees Coalition, World Rugby supports a joint call to action urging stronger recognition and investment in sport; the inclusion of refugee-led and locally led organisations; expanded leadership from low- and middle income countries; and the integration of sport into national and local refugee response frameworks.
Ahead of the Global Refugee Forum Progress Review, we call on all governments, humanitarian organisations, donors and sports bodies to:
1. Recognise the role of sport in contexts of displacement and pledge your commitment
Acknowledge the power of sport and play -based initiatives , and invest in sport as a key tool for inclusion and resilience.
2. Incorporate sport across all pledging areas
Sport can advance shared goals, from mental health and education to peaceful coexistence and digital integrity . Promote collaboration across multi-stakeholder pledges to drive collective impact.
3. Support meaningful participation of refugee -led and locally led organisations in sport: Create inclusive pathways that recognise and strengthen the meaningful participation and leadership of people affected by displacement , ensuring the relevance of the solutions and foster dignity and self -reliance among displaced populations .
4. Expand geographic diversity and amplify Low -and Middle -Income Countries’ leadership
Support and spotlight sport -based initiatives led from the regions most affected by displacement.
5. Strengthen local and national partnerships
Collaborate across sectors - particularly Ministries of Sport, Health, Education and Youth - to embed sport into refugee responses.
To read the full statement click here.
