Handbook for Self-Reliance

Currently, the world has 12 million refugees, nearly 8 million of whom have been living in camps or settlements for more than ten years. Some refugees have lived in such camps for generations. Many of them are prohibited from moving about freely and, over time, develop dependency on humanitarian aid, such as food, shelter, health care and education. Durable solutions cannot be realized if refugees are denied some of the basic human rights, and remain passive recipients of aid. Furthermore, situations in which refugees lack opportunities for self-reliance can quickly lead to resentment and become breeding grounds for further conflict.