Supporting the UNHCR’s Comprehensive Solutions Strategy to End Protracted Refugee Situations

January 2014 - Nearly two-thirds of the world’s refugees live in protracted refugee situations which mean that they have been in exile for five years or more without immediate prospects for long-term solutions. Protracted displacement is a significant challenge for the international community. There has been growing international awareness of the prevalence and significance of protracted displacement over the past decade and there is a broad international consensus that new solutions-oriented approaches need to be developed. As part of these efforts the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has developed a Comprehensive Solutions Strategy for Angolan Liberian and Rwandan refugees. With DFATD’s support UNHCR will focus on the local integration of some 10 000 Angolans in Zambia. Project activities include: (1) issuing residency permits to Angolan refugees; (2) providing land to former refugees who have obtained residence status; (3) establishing schools health centres market places and other infrastructure to facilitate the integration of former refugees in local communities; and (4) providing vocational training and other support to ensure that former refugees have a means to earn a decent living and are self-reliant.

The expected immediate outcomes for this project include: (1) improved legal integration of former refugees with a pathway towards eventual naturalization; (2) increased opportunities for former refugees to earn sustainable livelihoods and have a standard of living comparable to host community residents; and (3) improved opportunities for former refugees to access education and social services. The expected intermediate outcome is reduced vulnerability of crisis-affected people especially women and children.