Urban Profiling of Refugee Situations in Delhi: Refugees from Myanmar, Afghanistan and Somalia and Their Indian Neighbours - A Comparative Study

UNHCR currently assists over 24,000 urban refugees and asylum-seekers in New Delhi originating from non-neighouring countries and Myanmar. This work has enabled UNHCR to build up a strong understanding of the challenges facing these groups. This profiling exercise of Afghan, Somali and Myanmarese refugee households alongside their local Indian neighbours was designed to supplement existing knowledge with a new base of empirical evidence. This will contribute to effective programming and advocacy, in particular in relation to UNHCR’s work on promoting self-reliance. Conducted between January and June 2013, the profiling study examined the key components of refugee livelihoods, namely employment, housing, and financial security, as well as physical safety. The study was based on mixed research methods, namely a survey of over one thousand households as well as a series of focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The analysis of the collected data has allowed us to build a valuable picture of the livelihood security of Afghan, Somali and Myanmarese refugees visà- vis their local Indian neighbours. Within the report we use our findings to examine the contributing and impeding factors to refugee groups securing a livelihood, looking at their legal status, social capital, human capital, and length of stay in Delhi. A particular focus was given to access to education. The study has been carried out through collaboration between UNHCR, the Joint IDP Profiling Service (JIPS) and the Feinstein International Centre (Tufts University), alongside our partner in Delhi, the Development and Justice Initiative (DAJI).