Socio-Economic Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Refugees

The "Migration Talks Series", in which the World Academy for Local Government and Democracy was among its speakers, was held on 29 July 2021. In the event participants shared their experiences on "Being Refugees, Working with Refugees and Accessing Livelihoods". The program was jointly conducted by UNHCR and the Turkish Red Crescent. The socio-economic and psychological dimensions of the COVID-19 pandemic on refugees were discussed.

Opening speeches of the workshop were held by the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Migration Management and UNHCR Istanbul Office Representatives. In the session titled “Accessing Livelihoods for Refugees”, WALD Project Coordinator shared the activities on licensing of unregistered workplaces and the establishment of cooperative activities in local governments. She underlined that these activities were held within the context of the Social Protection Project jointly conducted by UNHCR and WALD. She also emphasized the importance of sustainable and inclusive work by accelerating economic cycles at the local level and through cooperatives.