PRM supports MHPSS programming, advocacy, and diplomacy in humanitarian contexts by:

1. Grounding PRM-funded MHPSS programming in best practices that integrate localized knowledge on MHPSS with evidence-based information;
2. Fortifying PRM’s capacity to support best practices in MHPSS programming through internal trainings, written guidance, and access to ongoing technical support;
3. Expanding collaborative partnerships with relevant USG, international, and local partners; and
4. Elevating MHPSS in global humanitarian programming and policy through targeted MHPSS messaging.

How is PRM supporting the mental health and psychosocial needs of refugees, conflict affected individuals, migrants, and stateless people?

PRM supports programming, advocacy, and diplomacy related to the mental health and psychosocial needs of refugees, conflict-affected individuals, migrants, and stateless people in a variety of ways.

Programming: PRM funds MHPSS programming through non-governmental and international organization partners, with the objective of reducing and treating mental health and psychosocial concerns for refugees, conflict-affected persons, migrants, and stateless people.  Examples of PRM-funded MHPSS projects for Fiscal Year 2023 included, but are not limited to:

• Spilno Hubs in Poland: UNHCR and UNICEF established Spilno Hubs, which translates as together and jointly in Ukrainian. Spilno Hubs provide comprehensive and longer-term support for integration, mental health, legal assistance, protection, and education and social activities for the most vulnerable refugee children and families impacted by Russia’s war on Ukraine. They also provide a safe space to connect with the local community.  UNHCR and UNICEF evolved Spilno Hubs from the Blue Dot system that provided more immediate emergency assistance in the earlier days of the crisis. See UNICEF launches six Spilno Hubs in five months to support Ukrainian refugees and integration of local communities.
• RET International in Mauritania: RET International delivers psychosocial support services (PSS) as part of their comprehensive humanitarian programming for refugees living in MBera camp. PSS are integrated into programs for children and adolescents using age-appropriate activities. For children, PSS themes are woven into child friendly games, drama, drawing, singing, and dancing. For adolescents, PSS themes are included in practical skills training such as handicrafts. PSS for children and young adults is also included in recreational activities where messages of empathy and peaceful coexistence are combined with various recreational activities including sports and traditional dances.

• Jesuit Relief Services (JRS) in India: JRS provides MHPSS services to forcibly displaced children from Burma living in remote settlements in northeast India.  These MHPSS activities are integrated into JRS’ education programming and assist forcibly displaced children with learning communication skills, increasing confidence, and enhancing social skills.
• Pan American Development Fund (PADF) in Colombia: PADF promotes socioeconomic integration of Venezuelan migrants into host communities by integrating psychosocial support into its livelihoods program, which assists migrants starting and running independent businesses.

Advocacy: PRM regularly integrates the topic of the mental health and psychosocial support for refugees, conflict-affected persons, migrants, and stateless people into USG, international, bilateral, and multilateral engagements.  Examples include:

• 2022 UNHCR EXCOM Conclusion on Mental Health: PRM led U.S. Government contributions to this statement calling for investments in, and support of, the mental health and psychosocial needs of refugees, migrants, and stateless individuals. UNHCR Executive Committee Conclusion on Mental Health
• 2023 Rabat Declaration: PRM participated in the Third Global Consultation on the Health of Refugees and Migrants and the adoption of the Rabat Declaration, which reaffirmed the rights of all people, including refugees, migrants, and stateless people, to access the highest attainable level of physical and mental health.
• Diplomacy:  USG and PRM humanitarian diplomacy includes advocacy for the inclusion of refugees, forcibly displaced persons, vulnerable migrants, and stateless persons in national health systems, including mental health systems as well as for the importance of mental health for conflict-affected and stateless persons in bilateral and multilateral humanitarian fora.