Wealth of Refugees: How Displaced People Can Build Economies

We live in an age of displacement, with refugee numbers increasing due to fragile states and climate change. Rising populist nationalism has undermined the political willingness of rich countries to accept migrants and asylum seekers. The Wealth of Refugees offers practical solutions to create sustainable refugee policies that enable displaced people to live in safety and dignity, while operating at scale. It argues that refugees bring skills, talents, and aspirations and can be a benefit to receiving societies, but requires a shift from a purely humanitarian focus to fully include refugees in host-country economies and build economic opportunities in refugee-hosting regions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 22 April 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press

In the current era, we witness a significant surge in the number of displaced individuals, driven by the proliferation of fragile states and exacerbated by factors such as climate change and the global impact of COVID-19. Despite these challenges, rising populist nationalism has posed a significant obstacle to the political will of wealthy countries to welcome migrants and asylum seekers. Against this backdrop, it becomes crucial to develop sustainable refugee policies that ensure the safety and dignity of displaced people while operating on a large scale.

The Wealth of Refugees, a comprehensive book based on a decade of original qualitative and quantitative research, provides practical solutions to address these pressing issues. Focusing on refugees in camps and cities across Africa, the book identifies strategies that can effectively improve the welfare of refugees, foster social cohesion between refugees and host communities, and reduce the need for onward migration.

At the core of the book's argument lies the recognition of the potential contributions that refugees can make to receiving societies. Refugees bring a wealth of skills, talents, and aspirations that can be harnessed for the benefit of both themselves and their host communities. However, realizing this potential requires a shift from a purely humanitarian approach to one that fully incorporates refugees into host-country economies, creates economic opportunities in refugee-hosting regions, and navigates the complex politics of refugee protection.

One of the key strategies proposed in The Wealth of Refugees is the integration of refugees into the labor market. By providing training and employment opportunities, refugees can contribute to their host communities and alleviate the pressure on social services. This not only enhances their economic well-being but also helps to break down barriers and promote social cohesion.

Furthermore, the book advocates for the development of economic opportunities in refugee-hosting regions. By investing in infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism, these regions can create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth, which in turn can reduce the reliance on aid and support for refugees. This not only benefits the local communities but also helps to address the root causes of displacement, such as conflict and poverty.

Navigating the ambiguous politics of refugee protection is another critical aspect of developing sustainable refugee policies. The book emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach that involves all stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, local communities, and refugees themselves. By building trust and engaging in meaningful dialogue, it is possible to find common ground and develop policies that balance the needs of refugees with the security and interests of host countries.

In conclusion, the Wealth of Refugees offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate on refugee policies. By recognizing the potential contributions of refugees and advocating for a holistic and integrated approach, the book provides practical solutions that can improve the welfare of displaced people while operating at scale. By unlocking the potential of refugees and fostering social cohesion, we can create a more inclusive and sustainable world for all.

Weight: 712g
Dimension: 163 x 240 x 42 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198870685