Restrictions on humanitarian aid to refugees (GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1028)
Case studies of Bangladesh, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania are used to examine the impact of restrictive aid policies
Abstract
Query
What lessons can be learnt from situations in which host governments have allowed humanitarian assistance to refugees in camps, but put restrictions on aid to those in host communities? What has been the impact of such policies and how has the humanitarian community responded to these restrictions?
Overview
The evidence base for this question is extremely weak. Very little of the literature uncovered during this rapid review engages directly or in depth with the question of the impact of such aid restrictions. Even fewer analyse how the humanitarian community has responded to these restrictions. A related debate is ongoing around aid provisions to urban refugees and the suitability of camps as a response to supporting refugees , which a number of expert commentators suggest could offer some insights. However, this was beyond the scope of this rapid review. An overview of the literature uncovered during the review also suggests there is much less analysis of the impact of aid restrictions on refugees who self-settle in rural areas as opposed to urban areas.
Case studies of Bangladesh, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania are used to examine the impact of restrictive aid policies.
Citation
Rohwerder, B. Restrictions on humanitarian aid to refugees (GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1028). Governance and Social Development Resource Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK (2014) 9 pp.
Links