This archive report was first published on 23 June 2020.
On World Refugee Day, June 20, 2020, the world marked a significant milestone in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has had an unprecedented socio-economic impact on the global community since the World Health Organisation declared it a global health emergency.
The theme for this year's World Refugee Day, 'Everyone can make a difference; everyone counts,' aligns with the United Nations' Agenda 2030 goal of leaving no one behind. According to the UN Refugee Agency, the global refugee population totals 25.9 million, with nearly half under the age of 18.
However, programmes aimed at training and skills development for refugees often lack integration into local labour market realities, and host communities are not provided with the same opportunities. This has resulted in a disproportionate burden on developing countries and their most immediate hosting communities.
In response, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the New York Declaration on refugees and migrants in 2016, followed by the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework. This framework recognises the need for increased international responsibility sharing, easing pressure on host countries and communities while working towards self-reliance of refugees and peace in countries of origin.
The International Labour Organisation, supported by the Netherlands, has joined forces with Kenya to support the realisation of the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework and the Global Compact on Refugees. This new approach to displacement calls for increased, long-term funding to address long-standing development challenges, including the integration of labour for refugees and their hosts into local economies.
Unfortunately, many refugees are unable to utilise their skills and knowledge in their host countries due to a lack of recognition of prior learning. This hinders their meaningful engagement in the local labour market, denying them the opportunity to contribute and make a difference.
Ensuring that mechanisms for skills recognition and upskilling are available for refugees, accompanied by access to employment services, would greatly enhance their participation and contribution to the local labour market.
Kenya's history of hospitality towards those made vulnerable by displacement will ensure that shared prosperity can be created for both refugees and host communities.
Caroline Njuki is the chief technical advisor on inclusive jobs and education for host communities, refugees, and other forcibly displaced persons at ILO Kenya.
