Turkey has experienced the biggest influx of Syrians, almost 3 million refugees, since 2011. Different than many refugee-receiving countries where refugees are placed in camps upon their arrival, in Turkey, more than 90% of all refugees live in cities. This report looks at social capital as a resource for integration. The report is written by a lifelong resident of Istanbul.
Case Report
Hamburg, Germany
The Hamburg case report focuses on the domain of housing in integration. In response to Germany receiving more than 1.3 million refugees since 2015, the national government approved an unprecedented land use policy enabling the construction of refugee and asylum seeker accommodation in non-residential zones. This case report explores the spatial, ethical, social, and economic implications of Germany’s refugee housing policy and its impact on integration.
Delhi, India
Food, when unavailable, is a human security concern―from famine and food riots at the community level, to malnutrition, stunted growth, and deficiency diseases at the individual level. When available, food can be an emotional experience, a community identity, or an economic industry. Refugees in Delhi, India are bridging these two aspects of food when they cook dishes from their hometowns and sell it as a livelihood strategy. The report is written by a lifelong resident of Delhi.
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
This report examines the vulnerabilities of urban refugees, and the difficulties they encounter in accessing basic services in the city. It considers their integration with the Tanzanian urban poor who they live side by side in the informal settlements of the city. It also considers what is next for Tanzania in the wake of a growing displacement crisis in the Central and East African regions, and considers recommendations that could be enacted to improve the lives of the urban refugees of Dar es Salaam.
Tripoli, Lebanon
This case study explores how the Syrian influx has affected Tripoli, with a focus on urban poverty, including how relationships between Lebanese and Syrians have deteriorated as competition over jobs intensifies, security concerns increase, and decrepit public infrastructure has been further strained. It highlights the responses of Syrian refugees and the Lebanese population, ending with some ideas about ways to improve employment prospects and economic stability.