Many refugee camps are unliveable - here's what needs to happen
Millions are returning home even when not safe to do so simply because conditions in refugee camps are becoming increasingly unliveable.
The United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, reported in 2025 that 14.4 million displaced people returned to their home countries, marking the second-highest number since records began. However, this figure is misleading as many refugees returned out of necessity rather than safety, as their living conditions in refugee settlements have become increasingly untenable.
Simultaneously, global conflicts continue to escalate, further threatening displacement. The UNHCR's report indicates a matching figure of 14 million newly displaced individuals, underscoring the ongoing crisis.
The contraction in humanitarian aid has exacerbated the situation in refugee settlements, rendering them increasingly unlivable. Many refugees are left defenseless against external shocks and aid cuts due to restrictive labor rules in host countries, which deny them the right to work and become economically self-reliant. The recent aid crisis has led to a direct impact on food rations and basic provisions, with the World Food Programme reporting a significant reduction in aid reaching refugees in Uganda.
Moreover, climate change poses a growing threat, with three-quarters of displaced people residing in highly climate-vulnerable nations. By 2050, the hottest 15 refugee camps in the world are expected to face nearly 200 days of hazardous heat stress per year.
To effectively support refugees, interventions must move beyond mere survival to focus on sustainable livelihoods, enabling them to live to their full potential and with dignity. This entails providing access to education, professional skills, and meaningful employment. In Uganda and Ethiopia, the DREAMS programme, a collaboration between Village Enterprise and Mercy Corps, offers entrepreneurship support through business training, seed funding, and mentorship.
This initiative has demonstrated significant improvements in household consumption, assets, and savings for participating refugees in these countries.
Other programs, such as Okapi Green Energy in Kenya and Live in Green in Uganda, provide sustainable energy solutions and eco-friendly alternatives, contributing to a more environmentally sustainable future for refugees. Additionally, Talent Beyond Boundaries connects skilled refugees with global job opportunities, advocating for their inclusion in labour migration pathways.
These approaches address the root causes of poverty, empowering refugees with long-term sustainable futures. Ultimately, the traditional humanitarian model is understaffed and underfunded, necessitating a shift towards more comprehensive and sustainable solutions to support displaced populations effectively.
Written by urgent.news from Africa Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
