Programmes in training and skills development were availed to refugees without a clear integration into the local labour market realities or the same opportunity availed to host communities.
This was followed by the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework that recognises the need for increased international responsibility sharing, easing pressure on host countries and communities while working towards self-reliance of refugees while perusing peace in countries of origin that would enable a return of those displaced.
The new approach to displacement calls for increased, long-term funding to address long-standing development challenges, including the integration of labour for refugees and their hosts into the local economies.
Recognition of prior learning, such as informal skills acquired before and even during exile, remains low — thus hindering refugees’ meaningful engagement in the local labour market.
Ensuring that mechanisms for skills recognition and upskilling where need be are available for refugees, accompanied by access to employment services, both public and private that link them to existing opportunities in the labour market, would greatly enhance their participation and contribution to the local labour market.
