Measuring the impact of hosting, protecting and assisting refugees
Measuring the impact of hosting, protecting and assisting refugees
Kismat, 21, a resettled Rohingya refugee, works as a Staff Nurse in the Children’s Ward at Bradford Royal Infirmary. She graduated in 2023 from the University of Bradford with a degree in nursing.
UNHCR, at the request of the UN General Assembly (A/RES/78/184), is leading a coordinated effort to measure the impacts of hosting, protecting, and assisting refugees with the aim to identify gaps in international cooperation and promote burden- and responsibility-sharing that is more equitable, predictable and sustainable. In collaboration with the World Bank and the World Bank-UNHCR Joint Data Centre on Forced Displacement, this effort involves a participatory process with Member States to assess the fiscal costs of including refugees into national systems. The agreed areas of focus for the global costing exercises are education, health and subsistence needs – areas representing both the largest fiscal expenditures and the most urgent priorities to ensure refugees are not left behind.
With forcibly displaced populations growing and resources constrained, there is a crucial need for more sustainable approaches and policies that include refugees in host countries’ national education and health systems, as well as local labor markets. Increased investments in these areas are essential for fostering self-reliance and greater resilience among refugees and host communities.
These global costing exercises deliver critical evidence that inform policy dialogue between host and donor countries, and shape discussions around sustainable financing for host nations that, despite facing fiscal constraints, continue to generously offer refuge to people fleeing danger.
Closing the education gap
The global costing exercise for education, initially published in 2021 and updated for the Global Refugee Forum in December 2023, offers a comprehensive look at the financial requirements for including refugee students in national education systems. The estimated annual cost stands at $9.3 billion for low- and middle-income host countries, however just $309 million is needed in low-income countries – demonstrating that closing the financing gap and providing education to refugees is not only necessary but also within reach. Additionally, the report includes an analysis of education financing for refugees, identifying trends, funding gaps, and potential biases in resource allocation across low- and middle-income settings. The work shows that through further support, the international community can ensure that refugee children and youth gain access to quality education, building resilience and hope for a better future. Doing so will turn commitments into lasting benefits and give refugee children the opportunities they deserve.
Reports:
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Education in Zaatari
"Despite all of the hardships and obstacles, I passed high school and got 83.80 out of 100. My dream is to get a scholarship and study media and press."
Rana, 17, was one of 457 Syrian refugee students who received their high school (Tawjihi) results in August 2024 at the Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan.
"I would like to thank everyone who contributed to my success: my supportive family, teachers and friends," she said.
Integrating refugees into national health systems
The global costing analysis for including refugees in national health services draws on data from the WHO Global Health Expenditure Database. The estimated annual global cost to provide health services to refugees through national systems is approximately US$11 billion per year. Notably, the cost in low-income countries is much lower, at around US$239 million. Prioritizing support to these low-income countries could advance a significant part of the global refugee inclusion agenda. Moreover, investments to build health system capacity would benefit host communities as well, enhancing healthcare access and supporting better care for everyone.
Meeting refugees’ subsistence needs through economic participation
The report on the cost of meeting refugees’ subsistence needs illustrates that refugees’ earnings through current income-generating activities reduces the amount required in complementary assistance to around US$22 billion. While this figure may seem high, the analysis shows that there is potential to reduce the financing gap further by strengthening refugee’s economic participation and easing encampment policies or restrictions on movement. In a world in which refugees have the same earning opportunities as host nationals, the amount required in complementary assistance would fall to US$6 billion. When refugees are self-reliant, they rely less on humanitarian aid and are able to contribute to the local economy in host communities. Policies supporting refugee economic participation deliver a “triple win”: boosting refugee earnings and reducing poverty, reducing the burden of assistance on host countries and donors, and mobilizing additional developmental aid for host countries that benefits both host populations and refugees.
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Livelihoods in Guatemala
In the heart of Guatemala City, Rafaela and Enrique run a small yet vibrant jewelry workshop and store.
They came to Guatemala fleeing persecution in their home country and have since rebuilt their lives, finding refuge in art and creation. Each piece they make is unique and handmade with meticulous care, reflecting their attention to detail and passion for their craft.
Their jewelry store has become more than a livelihood; it is a testament to their resilience and determination to start anew.
Bringing the global costing exercises down to the country level
The frameworks developed through the global costing exercises can be adapted to the national level, offering a more context-specific approach to guide country-level costing exercises. UNHCR and the World Bank are prepared to support these national efforts upon request, building on the technical groundwork established as part of the Measuring Impact initiative.
Examples of how national costing analyses can inform strategic discussions on hosting refugees and other forcibly displaced populations, and guide country-specific responses include:
