The Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS), and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Doha, Qatar. The MOU commits 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 Dr. Ghassan Elkahlout, Director of the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies, and Khaled Khalifa, Senior Advisor to the High Commissioner and UNHCR Representative to the GCC Countries.

Joint Research and Studies

Under the three-year agreement, UNHCR and CHS will collaborate on joint research and studies on issues related to forced displacement, in addition to organizing joint activities including capacity building and information sharing.

On this occasion, Khaled 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."

On his part, Dr. Elkahlout said "Forced displacement is a major challenge facing the MENA region, which is host to millions of 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.”

Partnering with research centers is a strategic modality to create opportunities for enhancing awareness amongst students and academics and encouraging community engagement toward innovative solutions to global challenges.

About CHS

The Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies is a research center committed to high-quality research and analysis on contemporary conflict response. It is part of the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies in Doha, Qatar.

About UNHCR

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We deliver life-saving assistance like shelter, food and water, help safeguard fundamental human rights, and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future. We also work to ensure that stateless people are granted a nationality.