Livelihood Programming in UNHCR: Operational Guidelines

In refugee operations, protection and livelihoods are closely intertwined. Forcibly displaced people need to acquire goods, services and cash every day, but many aspects of refugee settings make the pursuit of livelihoods challenging and risky. Host government policy often makes it illegal for refugees to work or to own property or businesses, though there are services available to support them. Even in situations where refugees can legally work, access to decent employment continues to be hugely problematic, particularly in countries with high unemployment rates. Encampment policies restrict refugees’ freedom of movement. Cases of discrimination and harassment by the state (police, immigration authorities) also make it difficult for refugees to move around freely to work or engage in economic activities.