On 25 February 2021, LERRN Partner Mustafa Alio was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division) by the Office of the Governor General of Canada.
As detailed in the release from Rideau Hall announcing the award, the “Meritorious Service Decorations recognize individuals who have performed a deed or an activity in a highly professional manner, or at a very high standard that brings benefit or honour to Canada.”
The Meritorious Service Medal is one of Canada’s highest civilian honors.
Along with Bassel Ramli (MSM) and Omar Salaymeh (MSM), Mustafa Alio (MSM) was recognized “for founding Jumpstart Refugee Talent to help newcomers enter the job market, become contributing citizens and start to rebuild their lives.”
This award is further recognition of the vibrant leadership that Mustafa has demonstrated in promoting the importance and value of meaningful refugee participation. This includes his work as Refugee Advisor to the Delegation of Canada to the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva in December 2019 and has his global efforts to promote the value of refugee leadership in the making of policy and the delivery of services.
When states affirmed the Global Compact on Refugees in 2018, they recognized that “responses are most effective when they actively and meaningfully engage those they are intended to protect and assist.” Mustafa brings vision, clarity, conviction and determination to his tireless work to make this commitment a reality.
LERRN is honored to work closely with Mustafa and other refugee leaders in the critical work of supporting and promoting the meaningful participation of refugees in research, policy and practice.
Congratulations, Mustafa!