Promoting Livelihoods and Self-reliance: Operational Guidance on Refugee Protection and Solutions in Urban Areas

UNHCR (The UN Refugee Agency)

ABSTRACT

This operational guidance to livelihood programming is aimed primarily at UNHCR Field Operations, starting with representatives and senior managers in field operations; at Multi-Functional Teams (MFT) that include Protection, Programme, Community Services, Field and Livelihoods Officers, where applicable; and at government counterparts and operational and implementing partners, including potential new partners that may include microfinance institutions, the private sector, foundations and academic institutions. Regional representations and decision-makers in headquarters are also addressed. These guidelines address all urban persons of concern (PoC) currently under UNHCR’s mandated and designated responsibility, including refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons (IDP), stateless persons and returnees. This operational guidance is based on lessons learnt and good practices gathered across urban operations since 2008.