Investing in displaced people

HARNESSING SELF-RELIANCE

Offering asylum to those who need it is an obligation under international law; denying asylum regardless of need is a violation of the Geneva Convention and its subsequent amendments [16]. However, beyond claiming a need for protection, refugees and asylum seekers can become self-sufficient and make positive economic contributions to their host states and societies. They are consumers, potential workers, and many even become (or be) investors, given the opportunity. All incur fiscal costs by using public services directly or indirectly, and all generate fiscal revenue either directly or indirectly. Policies enforcing the reduction of asylum seekers and refugees may generate ripple effect and negative impact on the economy [18]. 

To invest in refugees situated in the Western countries, they can be housed and integrated into the socio-economic systems. How does that work in countries (e.g. Turkey, Pakistan and Iraq) where about %85 of refugees are based and already experiencing financial challenges? supporting those countries to foster self-reliance amongst the refugees and resettlement to the third country is the answer.  

A brief history

The self-reliance initiatives went through the following phases of evolution:  

The 1990s and Beyond: 

The 1990s marked a turning point in refugee assistance, with an increasing emphasis on self-reliance. International organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), started recognizing the importance of livelihood programs and vocational training to support refugees in becoming self-sufficient. 

Livelihoods Approach: 

The adoption of a livelihoods approach gained traction in the early 2000s. This approach recognized the diverse skills, assets, and aspirations that refugees bring with them and aimed to build upon these strengths to promote self-reliance. Livelihood programs began integrating vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and access to finance and markets. 

Partnerships and Collaboration:  

International organizations, national governments, and NGOs started collaborating more closely to develop and implement self-reliance projects for refugees. Partnerships with host communities, local businesses, and private sector entities became crucial in creating economic opportunities and fostering integration. 

Shift from Aid to Development:  

The concept of moving from aid to development gained prominence. Instead of solely providing humanitarian assistance, there was a push to invest in long-term development strategies that focused on education, skills training, and economic empowerment to enable refugees to rebuild their lives and contribute to host communities. 

Innovation and Technology:  

With the rise of digital technology, there has been an increasing focus on harnessing innovation and technology to enhance self-reliance for refugees. Initiatives such as digital skills training, access to online platforms, and entrepreneurship in the digital economy have emerged as promising avenues for economic empowerment. 

Recognition of Refugee Entrepreneurs:  

The entrepreneurial potential of refugees has gained recognition, leading to initiatives that support refugee entrepreneurship. These projects provide business training, access to finance, and mentorship, enabling refugees to start and scale their own businesses, create employment opportunities, and contribute to local economies. 

Policy and Advocacy Efforts:  

Efforts have been made to advocate for policies and frameworks that promote self-reliance for refugees. The Global Compact on Refugees, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018, emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and calls for increased support for livelihood programs, education, and skills training. 

A few examples of self-reliance projects

Below are some examples of successful refugee self-reliance projects, including who delivered them, where and when (dates might have changed): 

  1. A UNHCR Livelihoods Project, Jan 2009- Dec 2009

Organization: Micro Development Fund (MDF) 

Location: Serbia

To improve the skills of IDP’s and refugees,  and to enhance their chances of employment  in the local labour market or within their own businesses. 

2. Water and sanitation 

  • Organization: WaterAid, 2010-present 
  • Location: Ethiopia 

 This water and sanitation has helped refugees to have access to clean water and to prevent the spread of disease. 

3. Education, 2011-present 

  • Organization: UNICEF 
  • Location: Lebanon 

The initiative has helped refugees to learn new skills, improve their language skills, and prepare for the future. 

4. Shelter, 2011-present

  • Organization: UNHCR 
  • Location: Turkey 

The UNHCR has been working with refugees from Syria to provide shelter. This shelter has helped refugees to have a safe and secure place to live. 

5. Food security, 2013-present

  • Organization: World Food Programme (WFP) 
  • Location: South Sudan

This food security has helped refugees to have access to food and nutrition. 

6. Healthcare, 2014-present 

  • Organization: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) 
  • Location: Iraq 

MSF has been working with refugees from Syria to provide healthcare. This healthcare has helped refugees to stay healthy, recover from illness or injury, and live long and productive lives. 

7. Psychosocial support, 2014-present

  • Organization: Save the Children 
  • Location: Pakistan

Save the Children has been working with refugees from Afghanistan to provide psychosocial support. This psychosocial support has helped refugees to cope with the effects of trauma and to rebuild their lives.