Effects of Interventions To Enhance Self-reliance of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons: A Systematic Review

Article type
Authors
Saad Z1, Ismail H2, Akl E1, Kashash R3, Lotfi T1
1The Global Evidence Synthesis Initiative (GESI) Secretariat, American University of Beirut (AUB)
2International Committee of Red Cross
3Palestine Red Crescent Society
Abstract
Background:
The frequency of man-made disasters such as wars has been increasing for the past 30 years. By end of 2018, almost 70.8 million individuals were forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, or human rights violations. Aid professionals are trying to identify interventions to encourage self-reliance among refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) living in various environments. Self-reliance is commonly defined as the ability of refugees to live independently from humanitarian assistance.
Objectives:
This systematic review aims to a) identify evidence related to designing interventions that enhance self-reliance of refugee and internally displaced people; b) assess the effects of these interventions on self-reliance; c) explore the barriers and facilitators of implementing these interventions; and d) engage stakeholders in the review process.

Methods:
Our inclusion criteria are the following: a) quantitative or qualitative design, reports and case studies; b) population includes refugees and internally displaced people living in or outside camps worldwide; c) interventions designed to enhance self-reliance of population with no restriction on the type or duration; d) self-reliance as one of the outcomes. We will search 7 databases and websites related to humanitarian emergencies. We will conduct study selection and data abstraction in duplicate and independently. Depending on the type of study, we will critically appraise the included studies using the Modified Critical Appraisal Tool (MCAT), the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), or CASP Critical Appraisal Checklists. We will conduct a narrative synthesis, and a quantitative synthesis when appropriate.

Results:
This work is in progress and the results will be ready by the time of the colloquium. We will describe the identified interventions and report the barriers and facilitators contributing to their success in achieving self-reliance.

Conclusions:
Recommendations and challenges will be concluded when the study is completed by the time of the colloquium to assist aid workers in developing and implementing interventions that intend to enhance self-reliance for refugees

Patient or healthcare consumer involvement:
We will hold a stakeholder engagement meeting and participants in this meeting will include (1) people who have supported refugees and internally displaced persons in conflict settings in achieving self-reliance; (2) refugees and internally displaced people with experience in self-reliance interventions such as receiving funding to start a business or being employed to achieve financial independence; and (3) funders of such interventions.