Attachments
UNHCR’s programmes strategically focus on reducing and mitigating protection risks, both at individual and community level, through ‘Community-based Protection Measures (CPMs)’. In line with the Multi-Year Strategy (2017-19) and Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR), UNHCR Afghanistan has implemented solutions-oriented initiatives in 22 locations of high return and displacement. These activities are within the framework of and or aligned to the Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework (ANPDF, 2017-2021), National Priority Programs, and the Displacement and Returnee Executive Committee (DiREC) action plan.
CPMs explicitly focused on women and youth empowerment (WYE) through Employability, Employment, and Entrepreneurship (EEE) initiative, based on the existing human capital (skill-sets) within the targeted communities. Key activities for ‘employability & employment’ included targeted vocational trainings in line with the local market demand and job-placement services in partnerships with the private sector particularly Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Industrial Unions.
The ‘entrepreneurship’ activities were built on the informal ‘saving credit and/or self-help group approach’ and included small businesses development in the local economic sectors such as bee keeping, dairy farming and processing, greenhouses, carpet weaving, shoe making, mobile repairs, motor and car mechanics, carpentry, dish antenna services, confectionary, embroidery and tailoring and transport services among others. Basic admin-management and financial literacy training are an integral part of the blended entrepreneurship programme together with technical trainings and establishing links with international markets and businesses. UNHCR’s Global MADE51 (Markets, Design and Empowerment of refugee artisans) initiative links local products to global markets; and CODE4FUN – a safe, secure, and learning platform to improve the creative skills of young boys and girls are key activities.