Panacea for the refugee crisis? Rethinking the promotion of 'self-reliance' for refugees. Issue 8 (3rd August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Easton-Calabria, Evan; Omata, Naohiko
• Is Part Of: Third world quarterly. Volume 39:Issue 8(2018)
• Page Start: 1458
• Page End: 1474
• Publication Date: 2018-08-03
• Subjects: Migration and refugees -- economy and finance -- humanitarianism -- livelihoods and sustainability -- empowerment and absorptive capacity -- self-reliance; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; 909.09724
• DOI: 10.1080/01436597.2018.1458301
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-6597

Abstract

Abstract: This article provides a critical examination of the current extensive promotion of 'self-reliance' for refugees. The existing scholarship largely ignores the unsuccessful historical record of international assistance to foster refugees' self-reliance and fails to discuss its problematic linkages to neoliberalism and the notion of 'dependency'. The article reveals that the current conceptualisation and practice of self-reliance are largely shaped by the priorities of international donors that aim to create cost-effective exit strategies from long-term refugee populations. The authors argue that where uncritically interpreted and applied, the promotion of self-reliance can result in unintended and undesirable consequences for refugees' well-being and protection.