AMMAN and WASHINGTON — Ten years into Syria’s violent conflict, Syrians remain the largest refugee population worldwide, with nearly 5.5 million living in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), and 6 million others internally displaced within Syria. With Syrian refugees facing limited resettlement opportunities and the unlikely prospect of return under safe and sustainable conditions, it is essential to explore ways to promote local solutions for refugees and improve social cohesion with host communities. Access to legal status, social protection, education, livelihoods and health care continues to be difficult for these refugees—challenges further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A new study resulting from a research project undertaken by the Durable Solutions Platform (DSP) and the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) identifies examples of promising practices that support the resilience of refugees and host communities in displacement contexts around the world. The report, A Bridge to Firmer Ground: Learning from International Experiences to Support Pathways to Solutions in the Syrian Refugee Context, spotlights policies and programs in 16 countries to draw lessons that could be applied to the Syrian refugee context.
The case studies collected in the report highlight partnerships between international donors, national governments, civil society and the private sector, and offer lessons for these actors, in five thematic areas:
“In the past decade, the humanitarian and development sectors have demonstrated their ability to innovate, cooperate and facilitate pathways towards durable solutions for refugees,” the report finds. “These efforts have not come without difficulties related to design and operation, from challenges integrating refugees into existing policy frameworks to managing public opinion and other sensitivities.”
The researchers conclude that the initiatives profiled share a number of commonalities: Strong political leadership, cross-ministerial cooperation and the engagement of civil society and non-governmental actors; the continued support of international donors; a good understanding of the specific needs of refugees; and an inclusive approach that benefits host communities as well as refugees, among them.
“The reality is that many Syrians will continue to live, work and study in displacement for the foreseeable future,” the report notes. “Ensuring that refugees have the opportunity to enjoy decent living conditions, support their families and pursue an education is essential to mitigating the impact of protracted displacement on refugees and the communities where they reside.”
Read the report here: www.migrationpolicy.org/research/learning-international-experiences-syrian-refugee-context.
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About the Durable Solutions Platform
Established in 2016, DSP generates knowledge and promotes strategic dialogue and program approaches to the long-term future of displaced Syrians based on international best practices and principles. Learn more about DSP: https://dsp-syria.org/.
About the Migration Policy Institute
MPI is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit think tank in Washington, D.C. dedicated to analysis of the movement of people worldwide. The Institute provides analysis, development and evaluation of migration and refugee policies at local, national and international levels. For more on MPI, visit www.migrationpolicy.org.