Mayer Brown and UNHCR launch "Access to Education Guide" app for refugees and asylum seekers in Hong Kong

Mayer Brown and The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced today the launch of the "Access to Education Guide" (Guide) web app, providing practical and clear information on the education framework and application process for different educational levels in Hong Kong. The Guide is aimed at demystifying access to public and private education in Hong Kong for asylum seeking and refugee families with young children entering formal education.

Mayer Brown produced the written Guide based on open-source research and interviews with individuals and non-governmental organizations that have practical experience accessing the education system in Hong Kong. The firm's Innovation Team proceeded to develop a mobile version of the Guide on Fliplet, allowing it to be downloadable and further broadening its access to the refugee and asylum seeker community. The Guide is now available in English, French and Arabic.

"Mayer Brown is pleased to be supporting UNHCR in carrying out its mission of protecting the rights of refugees. Refugee and asylum seeker students in Hong Kong face a myriad of challenges when going to school – from delays in getting accepted to lack of availability of places and funds at schools. The Guide offers practical information to help them navigate these challenges," said Nishrin Hussain, Corporate & Securities partner of Mayer Brown and Co-Lead of this project.

"Our lawyers in Hong Kong and Europe collaborated with our Innovation Team to ensure that the Guide is user friendly and accessible. Our goal is for every refugee and asylum seeker in Hong Kong to benefit from this Guide. As we celebrate the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees this Refugee Week, Mayer Brown is committed to supporting this group through pro bono legal services and community outreach," the team added.

"We are grateful to Mayer Brown for partnering with us on this project, which we hope will lead to an increase in enrollment among refugee learners," said Helen Leung, head of UNHCR Hong Kong. "UNHCR is a strong advocate of education for all. Education cultivates talent and resilience, enabling displaced children and youth to rebuild their lives and make a positive contribution to society. Globally, UNHCR is striving to make significant progress in transforming education for refugees by 2030," she added.

About UNHCR

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee 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.