Deadline: 24-Aug-2026
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is inviting applications from non-profit organisations to support protection, inclusion, and durable solutions for forcibly displaced and stateless persons in Panama. The programme supports activities related to legal protection, asylum access, livelihoods, social inclusion, humanitarian assistance, and community-based protection.
Eligible organisations including NGOs, universities, community groups, volunteer organisations, governments, and other non-profit entities can apply based on their experience and capacity. Supported activities aim to strengthen self-reliance, access to justice, protection services, employment opportunities, and long-term integration.
Overview of the UNHCR Protection and Durable Solutions Programme in Panama
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is seeking partners to implement programmes that improve protection and durable solutions for refugees, asylum seekers, forcibly displaced persons, and stateless individuals in Panama.
The initiative focuses on ensuring that displaced and stateless populations can access:
- Legal protection
- Humanitarian assistance
- Social services
- Livelihood opportunities
- Education and skills development
- Community support
- Long-term integration solutions
UNHCR works through partnerships with organisations that have relevant expertise, operational capacity, and experience supporting vulnerable populations.
Objectives of the Programme
The programme aims to:
- Provide comprehensive protection services
- Support access to asylum and legal procedures
- Promote social and economic inclusion
- Strengthen self-reliance among displaced populations
- Improve access to livelihoods and employment
- Prevent discrimination and promote social cohesion
The programme follows a rights-based approach focused on dignity, inclusion, and equal access to opportunities.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The call is open to organisations that can contribute to UNHCR protection and solutions programmes.
Eligible partners may include:
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- Community-based organisations
- Universities
- Volunteer groups
- Non-profit organisations
- Government institutions
- Other organisations with relevant expertise
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Experience working with displaced or vulnerable populations
- Technical capacity in relevant programme areas
- Ability to implement and monitor activities
- Knowledge of local communities and protection needs
Organisations can apply to contribute to one or more impact and monitoring areas based on their expertise.
Key Focus Areas of the Programme
The UNHCR programme covers multiple areas supporting protection and long-term solutions.
Protection and Access to Asylum
Activities support displaced and stateless persons by improving access to:
- Territory and asylum procedures
- Protection information
- Legal guidance
- Case management services
- Referrals to specialised support
Organisations may assist individuals in understanding their rights and accessing available protection mechanisms.
Legal Assistance and Access to Justice
The programme supports:
- Legal counselling
- Documentation assistance
- Legal representation
- Justice access support
- Protection referrals
These services help displaced persons overcome legal barriers and improve access to rights and services.
Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response
Partners may support gender-based violence (GBV) responses through:
- Survivor assistance
- Referral mechanisms
- Prevention activities
- Community awareness campaigns
- Coordination with protection actors
The programme aims to reduce risks and strengthen support systems for vulnerable individuals.
Humanitarian Assistance and Emergency Support
The programme includes emergency assistance activities such as:
- Identifying vulnerable beneficiaries
- Providing cash assistance
- Distributing in-kind support
- Monitoring assistance delivery
- Temporary accommodation support
- Food assistance
- Psychosocial support
These interventions help individuals and families meet urgent needs during crisis situations.
Durable Solutions and Social Inclusion
UNHCR supports long-term solutions by promoting:
- Social integration
- Economic inclusion
- Self-reliance
- Participation in national systems
- Access to opportunities
Activities may include:
- Empowerment programmes
- Capacity building
- Skills development
- Support for community participation
Community-Based Protection and Social Cohesion
The programme promotes stronger communities through:
- Supporting community organisations
- Strengthening community leadership
- Encouraging participation
- Preventing xenophobia
- Promoting positive relationships between displaced and host communities
These activities help reduce discrimination and improve coexistence.
Livelihoods and Self-Reliance Support
The programme supports economic inclusion by improving access to employment and income opportunities.
Activities may include:
- Entrepreneurship programmes
- Technical and vocational education and training (TVET)
- Mentorship programmes
- Professional networks
- Financing opportunities
- Employment programmes
- Job fairs
- Financial inclusion initiatives
Partnerships with financial institutions may help displaced populations access financial services and economic opportunities.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
Skills development activities may include:
- Vocational training courses
- Employment-focused education
- Certification opportunities
- Career guidance
These programmes help displaced individuals develop skills needed for sustainable employment.
Why This Programme Matters
Forced displacement and statelessness create significant challenges, including:
- Limited access to legal rights
- Difficulty accessing employment
- Social exclusion
- Protection risks
- Economic insecurity
The UNHCR programme helps address these challenges by supporting organisations that provide:
- Protection services
- Legal assistance
- Emergency support
- Livelihood opportunities
- Community inclusion
By strengthening partnerships, UNHCR improves the ability of communities and institutions to respond effectively to displacement.
How the Programme Works
Partner organisations will support UNHCR objectives through implementation, monitoring, and community engagement.
Step 1: Identify Relevant Programme Area
Organisations should determine which areas match their expertise, such as:
- Protection services
- Legal assistance
- Livelihood support
- Community protection
- Humanitarian assistance
Step 2: Develop a Project Approach
Applicants should describe:
- Target population
- Planned activities
- Implementation methods
- Expected outcomes
- Monitoring approach
Step 3: Demonstrate Organisational Capacity
Applications should highlight:
- Previous experience
- Technical expertise
- Staff capacity
- Community relationships
- Ability to manage programmes
Step 4: Submit Partnership Application
Organisations must provide required information according to UNHCR partnership procedures.
Applications should demonstrate alignment with:
- UNHCR protection priorities
- Durable solutions objectives
- Community needs in Panama
Step 5: Implementation and Monitoring
Selected partners will be responsible for:
- Delivering programme activities
- Monitoring results
- Supporting beneficiaries
- Reporting progress
- Coordinating with UNHCR
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Lack of Experience With Vulnerable Populations
Applicants should clearly demonstrate experience supporting refugees, asylum seekers, or displaced communities.
Weak Connection Between Activities and Protection Needs
Projects should clearly explain how activities improve protection, inclusion, or self-reliance.
Ignoring Community Participation
Strong proposals should include community engagement and local partnerships.
Insufficient Monitoring Plans
Applicants should explain how they will measure outcomes and track programme impact.
Tips for a Strong UNHCR Partnership Application
Applicants can strengthen proposals by:
- Demonstrating previous humanitarian experience
- Explaining clear protection outcomes
- Including community-based approaches
- Showing coordination capacity
- Providing realistic implementation plans
- Highlighting experience in livelihoods and social inclusion
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the UNHCR Panama partnership opportunity about?
The opportunity supports organisations implementing protection and durable solutions programmes for forcibly displaced and stateless persons in Panama.
Who can apply for this UNHCR programme?
NGOs, universities, community organisations, volunteer groups, governments, and other non-profit entities can apply.
What areas does the programme support?
The programme supports protection, legal assistance, livelihoods, social inclusion, humanitarian assistance, GBV prevention, and durable solutions.
Does the programme support livelihood activities?
Yes. Activities may include entrepreneurship support, vocational training, employment programmes, mentorship, and financial inclusion.
What is a durable solution for displaced persons?
A durable solution helps displaced people achieve long-term stability through integration, self-reliance, safe return, or other sustainable options.
Does UNHCR support emergency assistance?
Yes. The programme may support cash assistance, food, temporary accommodation, and psychosocial support during emergencies.
Why are community-based protection activities important?
Community-based protection strengthens local participation, reduces discrimination, promotes social cohesion, and improves access to protection services.
Conclusion
The UNHCR Protection and Durable Solutions Programme in Panama provides an opportunity for organisations to support refugees, forcibly displaced persons, and stateless individuals through protection services, legal assistance, humanitarian support, and livelihood opportunities. By partnering with experienced organisations, UNHCR aims to strengthen inclusion, self-reliance, and long-term solutions for vulnerable communities.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.