The global migrant crisis is one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges in modern times, with refugees and asylum seekers being some of the most vulnerable populations in the world. Refugees are defined as individuals who have been forced to flee their home countries due to persecution, conflict, violence, or human rights violations, and who are unable or unwilling to return due to a well-founded fear of harm. As of March 2025, UNHCR Indonesia data recognizes 12,051 individuals registered as refugees and asylum seekers hosted in the country. Among this group, 69% are adults, 29% are children, and 2% are elderly. Notably, nearly one in three of the adults are women, and girls make up almost half of the child refugee population. Within the refugee population exist high-risk individuals facing a multitude of challenges, all of whom require protection and support, particularly in accessing basic needs such as protection, healthcare services, education, and livelihood opportunities for self-reliance.

As a non-signatory of the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol, Indonesia does not have a national refugee status determination system or comprehensive protection mechanism for people seeking refuge or asylum in the country. As a measure, the Government of Indonesia issued the Presidential Decree No. 125 on the Handling of Refugees in 2016. In response, the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs issued a Ministerial Regulation in 2019, then revised it in 2024, establishing the Task Force for the Handling of Refugees. With only limited support provided by Indonesia for the refugees that they host, refugees and asylum seekers have had to rely on the assistance of UN agencies and non-governmental organizations.

YCWS has maintained the long-standing Refugee Protection and Assistance program, providing support for the most at-risk members of the refugee community, such as Unaccompanied and Separated Children (UASC), Women and Girls-at-Risk (WAGAR – i.e., single mothers, survivors of gender-based violence, unaccompanied elderly women, child-mothers, etc.), and independently-living refugees with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Supporting refugees through a community-based approach, YCWS champions participatory action through our inclusion of refugee community volunteers in all facets of our program, and by working alongside Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs) to empower the community. Our expertise and experience of working with refugees and asylum-seekers have led to our contribution for national and international technical and advocacy networks promoting the capacity of refugee protection and assistance.

Our programs include:

• Ensuring access to basic services, education, and protection especially for women, girls-at-risk, and unaccompanied or separated children through community-based protection
• Promoting inclusive education and supporting refugee-led organizations
• Addressing sexual and gender-based violence and child abuse through prevention and response
• Supporting labour mobility as an alternative pathway to resettlement

Building the capacity of local authorities to foster inclusive, supportive environments and enhance host community engagement