Beyond Borders, Building Power Together: Stateless and Refugee Movements in Solidarity

A group Photo Taken at the end of the R-space event, photo by Lillian Uwas

At the Global Refugee Forum Progress Review in December 2025, the Global Movement Against Statelessness convened a dynamic participatory workshop titled “Beyond Border, Building Power Together: Stateless and Refugee Movements in Solidarity”. The session brought together GMAS and refugee-led organizations, activist sand allies to explore how stronger collaboration can advance the rights and inclusion of communities affected by statelessness, displacement and migration. 

Recognizing that statelessness is often both a cause and a consequence of forced displacement, the workshop created a space for participants to examine the intersections between refugee and statelessness advocacy. Too often, these movements operate in silos despite facing many shared challenges, including exclusion from decision making processes and barriers to meaningful participation. GMAS sought to bridge these divides by facilitating dialogue rooted in lived experience and collective action. Led through an interactive Movement Dialogue Circle, the session moved beyond traditional panel formats and encouraged participants to engage as equal contributors.  

Facilitated by GMAS Advocacy Lead Thandeka Chauke, the session concluded with a renewed commitment to building relationships, strengthening collective power, and advancing advocacy that crosses borders. Participants left not only with new ideas and strategies but also with stronger connections and a shared vision for a more inclusive and effective movement led by those with lived experience.