In 2007, the World Committee of the International Scout and Guide Fellowship signed a partnership agreement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Several large-scale actions have been carried out. During ISGF World Conference 2024 Martine Levy, the liaison for UNHCR, will give an update about this partnership. As Martine lives in Paris, France, she likes to talk to you about the Olympic Games which were opened on 26 July 2024 in Paris.

France host 14,500 athletes, including 37 refugee athletes. France welcomes 9000 Paralympic athletes, including 8 Paralympic refugee athletes. These athletes have been forcibly displaced all over the world, having fled their country to escape danger (war, persecution, natural disasters, etc.). They will represent the world's displaced population of over 120 million people.

Being part of the Olympics will allow them to show the world "what they can achieve if given the chance. Refugees can flourish when they are given the opportunity to use and showcase their skills and talents, whether in sport or in many other areas of life". (Filippo Grandi, UNHCR).

For the first time ever, the Refugee Olympic Team will be competing under its own emblem - a unifying symbol that brings together athletes from all backgrounds and gives the team a unique identity. They will take part in judo, swimming, road cycling, slalom canoeing, etc,

"All Paralympic athletes are incredibly resilient, but the story of these athletes and their journey as refugees surviving war and persecution to compete in the Paralympic Games is nothing short of impressive," said Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee. "The members of the Paralympic Refugee Team are role models for us all".