Refugee Self-Reliance is Now More Essential than Ever

With drastic reductions in refugee resettlement and humanitarian aid happening in the U.S. and worldwide, people who have been forced to flee their homes are suddenly faced with even more desperate circumstances. In a world where the number of forcibly displaced people continues to grow while resettlement opportunities are becoming more scarce, it is crucial that refugees have access to other long-term solutions, such as self-reliance. 

Self-reliance programming empowers refugees to establish sustainable livelihoods, meet their own essential needs, and rebuild their lives in their new communities. Unlike short-term emergency aid, self-reliance approaches focus on opening up opportunities for refugees to use their skills and strengths to take care of their families and contribute to the communities they live in. While traditional humanitarian systems work to provide emergency relief, RefugePoint has been developing and scaling self-reliance for refugees for almost 20 years.

The Impact of Reduced Resettlement on Refugees

Between 2016 and 2020, the Trump Administration made sudden and drastic cuts to refugee resettlement programs in the United States. Under that administration, the refugee admissions ceiling dropped to its lowest in American history. Since President Trump took office again in January 2025, we’ve seen even more drastic cutbacks. The termination of support services in the U.S., coupled with the cessation of overseas processing and the cancellation of all refugee travel, has resulted in significant hardship. More than 30,000 refugees who arrived in the U.S. in the months leading up to the Trump Administration have lost access to essential services. Tens of thousands more remain in limbo overseas.

But the U.S. isn’t alone: worldwide, countries that formerly welcomed refugees and asylum seekers with open arms are beginning to close their borders and enact more stringent policies. With this reduction in resettlement opportunities, refugees who may have hoped for a fresh start through resettlement are often left in overcrowded refugee camps or in urban areas with limited resources.

Related: What is the difference between a refugee and an asylum seeker?

Refugee Self-Reliance Programs Make a Difference

Self-reliance programs offer refugees pathways to independence and stability by holistically addressing essential needs such as livelihood development, education, health and nutrition, and financial empowerment. Through these initiatives, refugees gain the skills and resources to build a future for themselves and their families in their host communities. 

At RefugePoint, we view our relationships with refugee clients as partnerships. RefugePoint’s Urban Refugee Protection Program (URPP), located in Nairobi, Kenya, has helped over 8,000 refugee clients and their families achieve self-reliance so far.  The URPP uses a “runway” approach to self-reliance, first offering stabilizing services such as food, medical, psychosocial, and rent support, followed by business and financial education that allows refugees to thrive independently.

The Self-Reliance Runway approach to self-reliance first offers stabilizing services such as food, medical, psychosocial, and rent support, followed by business and financial education that allows refugees to thrive independently.

Beyond economic support, self-reliance programs like RefugePoint’s URPP also focus on the well-being of refugees, promoting resilience and dignity in situations where traditional support systems are scarce. By equipping refugees with the tools to support themselves, these programs help alleviate some of the challenges they face in host countries, ultimately fostering stability and security.

Related: Rosemary is working toward self-reliance with the help of her hair salon in Nairobi, Kenya

Why Self-Reliance Programs Matter More than Ever

Self-reliance is more than just an option for many refugees—it’s a necessity. Without many viable options for resettlement or safe and voluntary return to their home countries, alongside dramatic cuts to life-saving humanitarian assistance, refugees need opportunities to secure their futures where they currently reside. Self-reliance programs provide a practical pathway for achieving this goal, offering a dignfied alternative to dependency and paving the way for resilience and growth.

RefugePoint’s URPP helps refugees become active members of their communities and pursue a sustainable future. The Refugee Self-Reliance Initiative (RSRI), co-created by RefugePoint and the Women’s Refugee Commission and housed under RefugePoint, is another organization that champions refugee self-reliance. The RSRI and its partners have reached over 2 million refugees around the world with self-reliance programming.  As we face an uncertain future, self-reliance has never been more crucial in addressing the growing needs of displaced communities.

Help Empower Refugees Through Self-Reliance Programs

By supporting RefugePoint’s self-reliance programs, you help empower vulnerable refugees to build independent, stable lives. Join us to ensure that refugees have the tools they need to navigate an uncertain future. Together, we can make a lasting difference.