Problem assessment: UNHCR's livelihoods programming is largely guided by UNHCR’s Global Livelihoods Strategy and the SSAR, and is in line with Refugee Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion (2019-2023). The overall objective of the programme is to improve refugee’s livelihoods through economic inclusion, as a key component of achieving protection and solutions outcomes for refugees.
Refugees in the Islamic Republic of Iran have access to temporary work permits, which are renewable on a yearly basis, and are thus authorized to work in two main occupational sectors (construction and agriculture), in which there are roughly 87 authorized occupations (although this differs by province). Refugees, most of whom usually rely on precarious and unstable jobs for their income, have been particularly hard hit by livelihoods loss due to COVID-19. Almost all refugees approaching UNHCR for support reported a decrease in their income due to COVID-19; most reported no longer being able to meet their basic needs, while 96% reported having to resort to negative coping mechanisms.
UNHCR will pursue opportunities (such as through linkages with cash assistance, innovations, partnerships with UN development actors, the upcoming development of UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework to support refugees’ livelihoods. UNHCR will 1) build the self-reliance and resilience of refugees, empowering them to meet their needs in a safe, sustainable and dignified manner, avoid aid-dependency and negative coping mechanisms, 2) contribute to the host economies and 3) equip refugees with marketable skills to prepare refugees for their futures, whether through voluntary return or other durable solutions in third-countries. This will entail enhanced cross-border collaboration with colleagues in Afghanistan.
At all stages, UNHCR will coordinate with the UNCT’s socio-economic recovery programme, “CARE”, and the Livelihoods Working Group members to achieve synergies to further the inclusion of refugees.
Comprehensive response: In 2021 UNHCR will advocate for inclusion of refugees and host community in refugee-hosting areas in existing programmes, including the UNCT socio-economic recovery programmes. UNHCR will also support the establishment of 3 revolving funds for livelihoods together with BAFIA, provide start-up kits to Technical and Vocational Training Organization graduates and support a mix of self-employment, income generation and employment opportunities.
UNHCR will furthermore continue to provide skills training that are suitable for self-reliance and resilience in the Islamic Republic of Iran and Afghanistan. This shall be supplemented with information sharing on areas of return with beneficiaries of livelihoods programmes and joint cross-border workshops involving entrepreneurs and refugees that provide informed choice on available options in Afghanistan.
Prioritised response: UNHCR will implement livelihoods interventions such as demand-driven technical and vocational training, establishment of home-based enterprises to secure self-employment, as well as income/employment generation in workshops striving for innovations. Furthermore, as part of its direct implementation projects, UNHCR will provide business start-up/business expansion opportunities through the provision of equipment for income generating activities in five locations.