From Dependence to Self-Reliance: Changing the Paradigm in Protracted Refugee Situations
Millions of forced migrants live in situations of protracted displacement, their lives essentially placed on hold for years at a time, with little hope of returning to their country of origin. As conflicts drag on beyond the “emergency” stage, international interest and support tend to wane, leaving the long-term displaced in limbo, and host communities overburdened.
The short-term humanitarian relief that is appropriate in the wake of emergencies and natural disasters does not adequately address the needs of the long-term displaced—yet there is no other category of international assistance available for this population.
In a new policy brief for the Migration Policy Institute’s Transatlantic Council on Migration, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees T. Alexander Aleinikoff argues that protracted crises require long-term development solutions that can help foster greater self-reliance among refugees.
In practice, however, using development tools for refugees can be a tough sell, as the brief, From Dependence to Self-Reliance: Changing the Paradigm in Protracted Refugee Situations, explores. Among the stumbling blocks: Development agencies and donor governments often don’t see refugees as a priority group, and host states may be reluctant to allow development aid to be directed to non-nationals when their own citizens remain in need.
Aleinikoff suggests that in order to garner support for applying development solutions to long-term displacement situations a new narrative is necessary—one that emphasizes refugees’ potential to contribute to host and origin communities through their own human capital, transnational connections, and dedicated international assistance.
To make this new narrative a reality, Aleinikoff suggests the common perception of displacement needs to be shifted from that of a burden to a benefit for both host and origin communities. While a full paradigm shift will not happen overnight, humanitarian actors should consider what actions they can take now to gradually help displaced populations demonstrate their full potential. Promising approaches include more fully realizing refugees’ right to work, improving livelihood interventions at the individual level, and considering broader development projects (like infrastructure support) that would benefit host communities and refugees alike.
The policy brief is the fifth in a seven-part series that draws from a recent Council meeting, “Refitting the Global Protection System to Meet the Challenges of Modern Crises.” Earlier reports, which examine the strains on the global protection system as well as some innovative possible policy responses, can be read here.
KJ