2 Humanitarian Organizations’ Programs for the Economic Empowerment of Refugees:

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify the impact of many types of programs implemented by humanitarian organizations in the field of economic empowerment of refugees. In addition, it aims at identifying what can be done to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of these programs in their effort to enhance refugees’ livelihoods in protracted crises. The researcher used a quantitative methodology to collect data together with an appropriate sampling method from refugees who benefited from empowerment programs offered by some humanitarian organizations. The study assumes that the impact of empowerment programs on the sustainability of the livelihoods of Syrian refugees in Turkey has been important. The results of the study confirmed the positive impact of the refugees’ ability to access education and training opportunities for the sustainability of their livelihoods. The results also showed the positive impact of life skills programs recommended by United Nations refugee reports, not to mention the impact of vocational training programs and the development of entrepreneurship skills in sustaining refugee livelihoods and promoting self-reliance. The study recommended facilitating refugee access to various training programs to provide them with more skills, in particular targeted vocational training and entrepreneurship programs. Furthermore, the research findings can be used to support the role of humanitarian organizations, UN agencies, and host governments in developing a deeper understanding of refugee empowerment.