Humans and animals in refugee camps
Animals play an important role in human experiences of forced displacement and this is particularly visible in settings of encampment. Camps are often shaped by the need to accommodate animals as well as humans; ‘goat barns’ and animal markets are…
The power of markets: lessons from Uganda
Markets help crisis-affected populations access goods, services and economic opportunities that are critical to meeting their basic needs and supporting their livelihoods. Nevertheless, many aid organisations continue to provide in-kind assistance in areas where markets are functional. This may help…
The gig economy in complex refugee situations
As elsewhere in the world, the gig economy – in which companies develop mobile platforms which bring together workers and the purchasers of their services – is fast taking root in Jordan. These platforms enable businesses to order timed and…
Livelihoods programming and its influence on secondary migration
In search of greater freedoms and opportunities, thousands of Eritreans have fled their country in recent years – many directly across the border to Ethiopia. One estimate by the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, in 2016 put the number of registered…
The shortcomings of employment as a durable solution
Labour and capital investment are increasingly seen as the solution to protracted refugee situations. Aid agencies expect forced migrants to be good entrepreneurs and to become self-reliant by finding jobs and/or starting businesses. This puts the responsibility of ‘succeeding’ firmly…
Mini-feature on refugee-led social protection – introduction
The six articles in this FMR mini-feature explore how those who have been displaced find their own ways of assisting each other, filling gaps in official assistance or providing better-suited means of support. Evidence from Uganda, Kenya, Germany and Indonesia…
Mini-feature on Humans and animals in refugee camps – introduction
The seven articles in this FMR mini-feature explore the roles that animals play in the lives of people who have been displaced. Evidence from animal–human interactions in refugee camps across the world demonstrates the challenges that face both human and…
Refugee-led social protection: reconceiving refugee assistance
‘Social protection’ commonly refers to programmes and policies that aim to reduce the poverty, vulnerability and risks that populations can face. These were traditionally state-led initiatives. The term, however, has also recently become common in international development where international actors…
Refugee paralegals
Refugees in Kenya face multiple challenges. In addition to the long process of recognition or rejection of refugee status, these challenges include lack of access to documentation and services – including refugee registration processes, business and work permits, student pass,…