Uncertain Futures: Youth and their self-reliance within a protracted refugee situation. A case study of Dzaleka in Malawi.
Summary
This research aims to understand how viable the UNHCR aim of self-reliance is for 18-25-year olds at Dzaleka Refugee Camp, Malawi. The key concepts used in this research are protracted refugee situations, care and maintenance, self-reliance and livelihoods. Using in-depth semi structured interviews and focus groups, this research explores how the concept of self-reliance is implemented at Dzaleka in the form of interventions, including the promotion of livelihoods, educational and vocational training's. It seeks to uncover the perceptions of 18-25-year olds as to whether these interventions are working, and ultimately whether self-reliance is a viable aim. This is achieved through exploring the challenges they face and the strategies which they are taking, regardless of interventions.
18 – 25-year olds are engaged in various livelihood activities in the absence of aid. While they are demonstrating agency, they face many challenges which hinder their self-reliance. There are examples of community self-reliance being exhibited, yet this does not match the more individualistic aim from the UNHCR which focuses on access to employment and entrepreneurship. These interventions may be assisting some, but with budget cuts and an increasing population, the numbers of individuals being advantaged are decreasing, and even the most vulnerable are not being protected. The UNHCR with the concept of self-reliance promotes refugees as active agents, but at Dzaleka they are excluded from decision making and, in many ways, treated as beneficiaries of aid. This paper highlights the need for interventions which better support refugees’ goals and strategies. Ultimately, though, it emphasizes that it is the laws in Malawi which prevent self-reliance being achieved, and more attention is required in advocating for changing legislation.