The Refugee – Burden of the decade, or an economic opportunity? : a qualitative study on the role of the private sector in creating sustainable solutions for refugees in developing countries through local integration.

Abstract

The magnitude of global forced displacement has long surpassed old records. The situation is dire for the tens of millions of refugees stripped of their dignity and ability to live normal lives. The global society is yet again showing its darkest sides, unable to adequately address the mass breach of human rights and atrocities against our fellow human beings. Based on the burning need for new thinking within the current refugee regime, this thesis takes a daring step outside of the comfort zone of the perceived role of the private sector. Grounded in the reality lived by most refugees worldwide, this thesis explores how the private sector can engage in refugee situations in developing host countries. More specifically, it analyses how local integration can become a sustainable solution for refugees in developing countries, and how the private sector can help realize that. It finds that the potential role of the private sector in refugee crisis is much more comprehensive than portrayed in media, research and public debate. It argues that the private sector needs to approach refugee situations in developing countries in a holistic matter. Not just by looking at the market opportunities in relation to the refugee, but also the needs of the host community and the institutional framework that encompasses refugees. The private sector must leverage the opportunities and battle the challenge in the host country economy, and balance the relationship between the refugees and the host population. To meet the complex and interconnected needs of the refugees and their hosts, the private sector must partner with a wide array of stakeholders and actors within the refugee system. Ultimately, to offer a sustainable path to local integration and self-sustenance, the private sector needs to aim for development of the community and host country. Refugees should nevertheless sustain as the core of private sector efforts, rooted in their ability to function as economic actors and integral entities of the private sector that contribute to their host countries.