Economic Development

Discussion Stream Notes

This group confronted a daunting dilemma: how to improve refugees' economic situation without encouraging them to remain in their camps, which would be contrary to policies of the UNHCR and the desires of most host countries. The group concluded that economic-development efforts must be focused on (a) building the self-sufficiency of the camp economy to help make life in the camp more bearable and to reduce the demand for relief services, and (b) strengthening refugees' economic skills and potential, so that they are better prepared to rebuild their home economy when they return. The group quickly learned that, in general, relief workers have insufficient resources or capability to provide economic development to refugees, thus the group's first suggestion was an inventory of a camp's human resources.

1. Refugee Skill Inventory

Despite outward appearance and wretched conditions, many refugees have valuable skills that can be put to use in camps, both directly and teaching fellow refugees. Though camp registration in the early emergency phase of camp life is difficult, even chaotic and dangerous, the group is convinced that camp organizers should devise culturally sensitive means to inventory refugee skills as part of registration process. Skills-related questions should be added to registration protocols. Putting those skills to work in the camp in an organized way would increase the dignity, self-respect, and economic potential of residents while in the camp and upon repatriation. And if an individual's skills were recorded on a smart card rather than a simpler ID card, it would become record of personal value that might be more difficult to steal.

2. Development/Business Center

Group members envisioned a Center that would teach and support skills (farming, crafts, business, management, leadership etc.) that would improve conditions in the camp and even in nearby communities and strengthen the capacity of refugees to rebuild their home economies upon repatriation. It also could provide micro-credit and technical assistance for fledgling businesses. Refugees, to the extent possible, plus a new cadre of international development workers would provide classes and other services. The center would be integrated with centers recommended by the food and communications groups.

3. International Development Workers Training Institute

The group learned that, though relief workers are extraordinarily committed and energetic, few are prepared to help build refugees' economic potential. Therefore, it proposed an institution to prepare relief and development workers to support refugees in developing stronger camp and home economies. This institute also would develop operational understanding of both social and ecological restoration activities. Primarily web-based, it would include on-site experience in delivery of camp development/business centers.