Refugees who are given the opportunity to work become more self-reliant and self-sufficient. Through earning a decent living, refugees can meet the basic needs of their families and become less dependent on humanitarian assistance.
Empowering refugees also means they can give back to the Iranian communities that have generously hosted them for over 40 years.
Through the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees, UNHCR builds the skills and capacities of Afghan refugees so that when it becomes safe for them to return to their country of origin, they can reintegrate in their communities and contribute to rebuilding their country.
Promoting economic opportunities, decent work, job creation, and entrepreneurship programmes for host community members and refugees, including women, young adults, older persons, and persons with specific needs, can foster inclusive economic growth for host communities and refugees. Improving livelihoods through economic inclusion is key in achieving protection and solutions outcomes for refugees.
Thanks to the Government of Iran’s inclusive policies, refugees can work in a range of occupations. UNHCR works with the Government of Iran and non-governmental partners to provide livelihoods opportunities to refugees, in line with the Refugee Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion (2019-2023) Global Strategy Concept Note.
UNHCR supports the Government of Iran in implementing a diverse portfolio of livelihoods interventions, including technical and vocational training for refugees( after which they can acquire an internationally recognized certificate), access to loans, and equipment and tools to facilitate establishment or expansion of refugee-run businesses.
“Economic Inclusion means enabling refugees to be net contributors to economic growth and job-creation. It is one of the most important keys to unlocking durable solutions for refugees”
Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Improving livelihoods and achieving economic inclusion of refugees cannot be done by UNHCR alone and requires the engagement of a broad range of stakeholders, leveraging the added value and strategic positioning of different actors. Finding practical ways to increase engagement of a range of actors to better support refugees and reduce pressure on host communities, is a key element in the Global Refugee Forum 2023, taking place between 13 – 15 December in Geneva. The Forum will provide an opportunity to build on the significant progress made by governments and other stakeholders towards the implementation of pledges and initiatives announced since 2019, when the first forum took place.