Implementation challenges

There are a few challenges when it comes to implementing social protection systems for refugee and host communities: a lack of political buy-in and support, weak institutional capacities and systems, inefficient registration and payment mechanisms, complex procedures to acquire work or residency permits, lack of access to livelihoods and job opportunities for refugees, and limited domestic and external funding for social protection.

Narrow focus on formal social protection systems

It’s hard to look beyond the formal systems and to acknowledge the role of informal support by networks and community-based mechanisms providing social protection for refugees. Donors who traditionally funded humanitarian operations have shown increased appetite for channelling their funding through existing social protection systems to support the enrolment of refugees and other forcibly displaced people, particularly when it comes to social health protection and social assistance. While the ILO’s approach and value proposition have proven feasible and cost effective, supporting transitions and channelling humanitarian funds through social protection schemes remain challenging – operationally, financially and politically.

Long-term sustainability

While the approach of channelling humanitarian funding through social protection systems is increasingly being applied, this needs to be accompanied by support to strengthen national social protection systems and institutional capacity to transition recipients out of cash assistance and phase out subsidies that are covered by donors and external partners. When humanitarian organizations hand over operations, including social protection, to local authorities, refugees’ self-reliance should be emphasized. More work on social protection and livelihood interventions is needed to support sustainable access to contributory social protection schemes for refugees and to improve their income security, employability, health and well-being.