Livelihoods in Displacement: From Refugee Perspectives to Aid Agency Response

This HPG Report explores the lives and livelihoods of refugees living in protracted displacement. There is a need to better understand the livelihoods of refugees, particularly in the current geopolitical context: over 65 million people are displaced (more than 21m of whom are refugees); more than 75% of all displaced people live outside camps; and displacement is increasingly protracted, meaning that, far from accessing a durable solution in a timely manner, forced displacement is often a reality for multiple generations.

This report synthesises research from four case studies and extends the analysis to consider common themes. It explores how Central African, Rohingya and Syrian refugees sustain themselves in Cameroon, Malaysia, Turkey and Jordan, analysing the policy implications of refugees’ livelihoods objectives, strategies, actions and outcomes. It also considers the formal and informal institutions, networks and actors that shape the livelihoods risks and opportunities for refugees. The report identifies the ways in which the lives and livelihoods of refugees residing outside camps in protracted displacement can be better supported.