Displaced people, refugees and local hosts

Relief systems somewhat artificially label the displaced or refugee population as distinct from the local hosts and can create tensions where people are part of common social networks, and have similar needs. In cases where hosts consider themselves to be very different from the displaced, a negative reaction to targeted assistance is likely. This can undermine host political will to provide asylum, and can damage livelihood because access to host resources (rather than relief items) is usually the greatest determinant of refugee well-being. It is ironic that local hosts who provide the key assistance in the early stages of any emergency can become alienated by subsequent relief efforts, and even hostile to the refugees.

Policy approaches that maintain local host understanding of, and commitment to, the refugees’ needs are therefore advised - alongside programs with mutual benefit to both hosts and refugees. Programs where the two groups benefit alongside one another (e.g., by attending the same schools or hospitals), foster a sense of integration. Where it is unavoidable that refugees be assisted separately from hosts, it is appropriate to improve services for the surrounding host populations. When refugee repatriation occurs, in the immediate post-departure period, new initiatives are particularly needed that address the residual economic and ecological impact in host countries.