Jesuit Refugee Service position for the High-level Dialogue on Migration and Development

Jesuit Refugee Services believes that the forcibly displaced, refugees, and internally displaced persons have the potential to be catalysts for the sustainable development in both their host and origin communities. In order for this to take place, a rights-based approach must be taken to manage migration and also must be seen as a way of facilitating development in order to promote sustainability and peace. Most importantly, the forcibly displaced should be provided with opportunities to receive an education and/or vocational training while in camps, as this will provide them with the skills needed to involve themselves in the social and economic development of their communities. Host communities must also be included in development plans and receive development assistance so as to avoid tensions between those displaced and their host communities, as well as maximising the developmental benefits for as many people as possible.