Dawn in the City: Guidance for achieving urban refugee self-reliance

More than 50 percent of refugees live in urban areas. Eighty percent are hosted by developing nations, in cities ill-equipped to guarantee their protection. The majority are marginalized due to their legal, economic and social status. They frequently lack sufficient legal and social support—education, health care, market access and community networks—to obtain gainful employment or run businesses.

This report details findings and guidance from a qualitative, applied research initiative undertaken by the Women’s Refugee Commission that builds the knowledge base on urban refugees and identifies potential economic strategies and approaches to assist them in achieving self-reliance.