Multinational companies, including Amazon, Marriott, and Hilton, have made a pledge to hire over 13,000 refugees in Europe over the next three years.
This commitment comes just before World Refugee Day, June 20, and aims to provide opportunities for displaced individuals, particularly Ukrainian women affected by the war with Russia.
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The Scale of Displacement
Europe has experienced a significant influx of displaced individuals, with the scale of displacement reaching levels not seen since World War II.
According to Kelly Clements, the U.N. deputy high commissioner for refugees, approximately 110 million people have been forcibly displaced worldwide. Among them, an estimated 12 million are from Ukraine, with nearly half of them currently residing in Europe.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has led to a mass exodus of Ukrainian citizens seeking safety and protection in European countries. The displacement of Ukrainian refugees in such large numbers has created an urgent need for support and opportunities to rebuild their lives in their new host countries.
This makes it the largest movement of refugees on the continent since World War II.
Tent Partnership for Refugees
The hiring initiative in Europe is organized by the Tent Partnership for Refugees, a nonprofit founded by Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya.
This organization connects businesses with refugees and is unveiling its efforts at a gathering in Paris. In the previous year, their summit in the United States led to commitments to hire 22,725 refugees.
Corporate Commitments
Multinational companies have recognized the importance of providing employment opportunities for refugees in Europe.
Leading the way in this round of commitments is Amazon, which has pledged to hire at least 5,000 refugees in Europe over the next three years. Other notable commitments come from Marriott and Hilton with 1,500 each, Starbucks and ISS with 1,000 each, and smaller commitments from brands like Adidas, L’Oreal, PepsiCo, and Hyatt.
Amazon’s Vice President overseeing human resources, Ofori Agboka, highlights the benefits of diversity in the workforce. He emphasizes that diversity brings innovation, creativity, and different perspectives to a company. The majority of the jobs offered will be hourly roles at fulfilment and storage centres, as well as in transport and delivery.
The commitment made by companies like Amazon, Marriott, and Hilton, among others, not only addresses their staffing needs but also contributes to the integration and empowerment of displaced individuals.
Opportunities and Challenges
Companies are hoping to address their staffing needs by hiring refugees, particularly as the economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. While European nations have been welcoming Ukrainian refugees, there is a call to extend similar opportunities to those fleeing conflicts and crises in other regions.
Challenges faced by refugees include deciphering job listings, securing stable internet connections, and acquiring appropriate work clothes.
The commitment by multinational companies to hire refugees in Europe signifies a step toward providing opportunities and rebuilding lives for displaced individuals.
By leveraging the skills and experiences of refugees, these companies aim to create a diverse workforce that fosters innovation and contributes to their overall growth. This initiative not only supports refugees in their journey to rebuild their lives but also highlights the positive impact businesses can have in promoting inclusivity and social responsibility.
