Youth with Refugees Platform (YRP) is a network of youth groups across Japan with an interest in refugee issues. It came together around World Refugee Day 2020 and, after a series of name changes, has operated under its current name since August 2023.
Its guiding principles are "empathy," "support" and "creation": listening to each person's voice, joining hands with refugees, and building the future with people of diverse backgrounds. It is organized into teams such as planning and outreach, and holds joint study sessions with organizations including the UNHCR office in Japan.
On World Refugee Day, June 20, 2026, it held "World Refugee Day 2026 in Minato Mirai" in cooperation with the city of Yokohama and others, with booths run by member student groups and refugee support organizations. About 80 visitors are reported to have attended. The site also introduces "EmPATHy," which it co-runs with young people with refugee backgrounds.
Key points
- A network connecting youth groups at universities and elsewhere across Japan
- Events, film screenings and study sessions guided by "empathy, support, creation"
- Also co-runs "EmPATHy" with young people with refugee backgrounds
Why this organization's work stands out
A distinctive feature is that young people learn about refugee issues, communicate them in their own words and turn them into events, creating an easy entry point for their peers.
It also recruits member and supporting youth groups, so interested student groups have a way to join the circle.
Editor's comment
It is encouraging to have a place to learn and act together with peers.
Upcoming events and ways to take part are on the official website. Please take a look.