REFUGEE POLICY REVIEW FRAMEWORK TECHNICAL NOTE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Refugee Policy Review Framework (RPRF) InterAction in Washington, DC. The RPRF team also [P173212] and accompanying Technical Note were received helpful advice from the Refugee Investment developed under the auspices of the World Bank’s Network (RIN) and the Developing World Refugee and Fragility, Conflict and Violence Group (FCV) in Asylum Policy Dataset (DWRAP). close collaboration with the United Nations High Staff across the World Bank and its various regions, Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The RPRF was Global Practices and other units (Operations Policy and prepared through an inclusive and participatory process Country Services, Development Finance and Legal) which sought inputs and feedback from UNHCR, provided valuable contributions, advice and comments refugee-hosting countries, countries that contribute throughout this process. Formal inputs through the to the International Development Association (IDA) Bank’s peer review process were given by both internal and civil society organizations (CSOs) working in the peer reviewers and external peer reviewers from refugee sector. Consultations with external actors UNHCR and the International Rescue Committee (IRC). proved crucial to the development of a strong RPRF. Important roles were played by World Bank Fragility, The RPRF is the product of the collaborative effort by Conflict and Violence (FCV) country focal points and a core team led by Alain Aeschlimann, FCV Senior UNHCR field staff in the testing phase of the RPRF. Strategy and Operations Officer. This work was carried Special thanks to Dina Abu Gaida, Naila Ahmed, Afrah out under the general direction of Xavier Devictor, FCV Al Ahmadi, Anastasia Alexandrova, Natalia Baal, Bella Practice Manager. The core team was comprised of Bird, Benjamin Burckhart, Joanna de Berry, Catherine Leila Hanafi, Melissa Johns, Rebecca Lacroix, Khadija Defontaine, Mohammed Essakali, Melinda Good, Shaikh (all from FCV) and Paige Casaly (Legal). Nisha Christian Gonzales, Lucia Hanmer, Georgia Harley, Arekapudi and Marie Dry (both from Development Tracy Hart, Erina Iwami, Emilie Jourdan, Sereen Juma, Economics) and Jae Kyun Kim (FCV) provided research Rebecca Lacroix, Michael Lokhsin, Siobhan McInerney- and technical assistance. Lankford, Jonathan Marskell, Ernest Massiah, Piers Merrick, Marjorie Mpundu, Mona Niebhur, Raymond The process benefitted from high-level consultations Muhula, Suleiman Namara, Angelica Nunes, Juri Oka, and inputs provided by Permanent Missions in Eavan O’Hallaran, Vikram Raghavan, Benjamin Reese, Geneva, with a focus on IDA members who are Paula Rossascio, Valentina Saltane, Sajjad Ali Shah, eligible for financing under the Bank’s IDA18 Refugee Milena Stefanova, Janette Uhlmann and Varalakshmi Sub-Window (RSW) and IDA19 Window for Host Vemuru (all from the World Bank), Michel Botzung and Communities and Refugees (WHR) as well as countries Joanna Kata-Blackman (both from IFC), Bernadette that contribute to IDA. Castel-Hollingsworth, Hervé De Villeroche, Betsy Valuable inputs were also provided by over forty Lippmann, Sajjad Malik, Ewen Mcleod, Grainne O’Hara, different CSOs, which were brought together with the Shahrzad Tadjbakhsh, Marije Van Kempen, Cornelis help of the International Council of Voluntary Agencies Wouters and Johannes Zech (all from UNHCR), Sarah (ICVA) in Geneva and Refugees International and Charles and Lauren Post (both from IRC). 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgements 1 Acronyms 3 Introduction 4 A. Background 5 B. Conceptual approach 5 Detailed framework for the policy review 10 A. Terminology 10 B. Key principles 10 C. Objectives 11 D. Policy dimensions, sub-dimensions and guiding questions 12 E. Implementation: Process and responsibilities for data collection and analysis 14 F. Presentation of the Refugee Policy Review 16 G. Risks and mitigation measures 17 Annex 1. Theory of change 18 Annex 2. Policy dimensions, priority orientations, and guiding questions 19 Annex 3. Draft outline of the RPRF review 24 Annex 4. Glossary of terms 25 2 ACRONYMS ASA Advisory Services & Analytics CSO Civil society organization CMU Country Management Unit ESF Environmental and Social Framework FCV Fragility, Conflict and Violence GCR Global Compact on Refugees GFR Global Refugee Forum IDA International Development Association IDA18 International Development Association Eighteenth Replenishment (July 1, 2017-June 30, 2020) IDA19 International Development Association Nineteenth Replenishment (July 1, 2020-June 30, 2023) IFC International Finance Corporation MTR Mid-term Review NGO Non-governmental organization RPRF Refugee Policy Review Framework RSW IDA18 Refugee Sub-Window (officially “Sub-Window for Refugees and Host Communities”) UN United Nations UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees WBG World Bank Group WHR IDA19 Window for Host Communities and Refugees 3 INTRODUCTION Over the recent years, the World Bank Group (WBG) environments in countries eligible for the Window has scaled up its efforts to support refugees and for Host Communities and Refugees since their initial refugee-hosting communities, in particular through eligibility”.4 This review is aimed “to gauge progress, the $2 billion IDA18 Sub-window for Refugees and identify further reform opportunities and inform Host Communities (RSW) and the $2.2 billion IDA19 further WHR support”5 and “in doing so, [to] shed light Window for Host Communities and Refugees (WHR). on the extent to which the WHR has helped to shift This is an integral part of the WBG’s engagement in policies and their implementation in WHR countries refugee-hosting countries and it is one of the pillars (for example, in areas such as refugee protection, of the recent WBG Strategy for Fragility, Conflict, and freedom of movement, access to education, health, Violence.1 The WBG’s support aims to complement identity, justice and finance, labor force participation humanitarian interventions by focusing on the medium- including skills, employment and entrepreneurship, term socioeconomic dimensions of displacement for and environmental management) to promote inclusive both refugees and their hosts. It is part of a broader development for both refugees and hosts”.6 international effort to encourage the adoption of In order to deliver on this commitment, the WBG sound government policies for the management of further committed to prepare “a methodology for the forced displacement situations, which underpins the review (…) in coordination with UNHCR, and [to] make 2018 Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). every effort to ensure that the review’s key findings and Under IDA19, the WBG’s objectives are three-fold: recommendations will be publicly available”.7 “(i) mitigate the shocks caused by refugee inflows This Technical Note aims to present such a and creating social and economic development methodology: the Refugee Policy Review Framework opportunities for refugee and host communities; (RPRF). It is articulated around three critical elements: (ii) facilitate sustainable solutions to protracted (1) which specific policies will be the focus of the refugee situations including through the sustainable review; (2) how the corresponding information will be socioeconomic inclusion of refugees in the host country and/or their return to the country of origin; collected and vetted for quality; and (3) how the results and (iii) strengthen country preparedness for increased of the review will be presented and reported on. or potential new refugee flows”.2 IDA Deputies also This Technical Note was prepared in close cooperation “welcomed IDA’s continued efforts to engage in policy with UNHCR, as requested by the IDA Deputies, and dialogue on development issues facing both refugee was the result of an extensive process of consultations, and host communities”.3 both internal (Regions, Global Practices, and key corporate units), and external (refugee-hosting Against this backdrop, the WBG committed that countries, countries contributing to IDA, and CSOs). “by the IDA19 Mid-Term Review, IDA conduct a systematic review of refugee policy and institutional 1 World Bank Group Strategy for Fragility, Conflict, and Violence 2020–2025, World Bank Group, 2020. 2  Executive Directors of the International Development Association, Additions to IDA Resources: Nineteenth Replenishment IDA19: Ten Years to 2030: Growth, People, Resilience (2020) further referred to as “IDA Deputies report”, Annex4, para. 4. 3 IDA Deputies report, par. 116. 4 IDA Deputies report, par. 117 (4). Currently, the countries eligible for the WHR are: Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad,  Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Mauritania, Niger, Pakistan, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda, while discussions with Kenya are ongoing. 5 IDA Deputies report, par. 116.  6 Ibidem. 7 Ibidem. 4 A. BACKGROUND The WBG’s overall objective in such situations is to help reduce poverty among both the forcibly displaced Over the last period, forced displacement has and their host communities, as part of a broader emerged as an important development challenge. effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals The overwhelming majority of refugees live in low- (SDGs). The focus is on tackling the medium-term and middle-income countries, often in protracted socioeconomic dimensions of forced displacement, situations. Evidence to date indicates that both which is complementary to and supportive of, but refugees and their host communities are among the distinct from, the rights-based protection agenda and poorest and most vulnerable. As of 2019 UNHCR the focus on short-term crisis responses, which are data, there were roughly 9 million refugees in IDA (and typical of humanitarian interventions. Blend) countries out of a total of 20.5 million refugees worldwide. In this context, the WBG took a proactive To support host communities, the WBG aims role in an international effort to shift the support to to help manage the shock and socioeconomic refugee-hosting countries from humanitarian aid consequences of an inflow of refugees. The arrival mainly to a more comprehensive package, including of large numbers of people in specific locales development assistance. The WBG has also developed creates both risks and opportunities. It can transform a close partnership with UNHCR, in particular to ensure the environment for designing and implementing its engagement can help strengthen the refugee poverty reduction programs, including by creating protection framework. additional socioeconomic challenges for parts of host communities. In some exceptional cases, this As of July 2020, the WBG was supporting fourteen IDA creates new dynamics for the entire country and refugee-hosting countries through 35 projects ($1.85 national development strategies must be adjusted billion) financed by the IDA18 RSW. These countries and supported accordingly.10 The WBG aims to help stand ready to further benefit from the IDA19 WHR. host communities manage these new circumstances so These are: Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Burundi, that they can adjust to the inflows, continue to reduce Cameroon, Chad, Congo Republic, the Democratic poverty and enhance their resilience to shocks, while Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Mauritania, providing an accepting environment for the refugees. Niger, Pakistan, Rwanda and Uganda. To support the forcibly displaced, the WBG aims to help B. CONCEPTUAL APPROACH reduce the specific vulnerabilities they have acquired through their ordeal. Refugees have often endured A development approach to forced catastrophic losses of assets or trauma, which affect displacement their ability to seize economic opportunities, and can The WBG’s engagement in refugee situations in IDA trap them in poverty. Because such vulnerabilities set countries was first articulated in the IDA18 Deputies’ them apart from other poor people in the communities report. Lessons from this experience have informed where they live, broad-based poverty reduction efforts IDA19 and the WHR. The WBG overall approach in may not suffice to relieve their plight and specific situations of forced displacement was framed in a interventions are needed. 2016 Development Committee paper on “Forced Displacement and Development”,8 and further Support to refugee-hosting countries—which is the elaborated in a subsequent 2017 flagship report, focus of IDA19 WHR and hence of the RPRF—is only “Forcibly Displaced: Toward a Development Approach one part of a broader WBG effort that also includes Supporting Refugees, the Internally Displaced, and an engagement in countries of origin, to help mitigate Their Hosts”9 and reflected in the WBG Strategy for the drivers of fragility and hence to address the root Fragility, Conflict, and Violence. 8 Forced Displacement and Development, Development Committee, March 25, 2016 (DC 2016-0002). 9 FORCIBLY DISPLACED Toward a Development Approach Supporting Refugees, the Internally Displaced, and Their Hosts,  World Bank Group, 2017. 10  This is notably in instances where the national as opposed to local demography is impacted by a refugee emergency (e.g. Lebanon and Jordan). 5 causes of forced displacement, as well as to support typically scarce and service delivery is limited, and the move towards durable solutions, including return their presence can have a substantial impact on host and reintegration. This effort is encompassed in the communities. The development approach, particularly respective WBG country partnership frameworks and the WBG engagement under the RSW, has helped to other foundational documents. bring focus and attention particularly to lagging and under-serviced regions in IDA countries and to address Overall, the WBG’s support is integrated within broader important challenges that both refugees and host international support that has many dimensions: communities face there. political, security, humanitarian, development, and diplomatic—each of which must be adequately For host communities, the inflow of large numbers of resourced and cannot substitute to others. Political forcibly displaced persons is essentially a demographic economy and regional dynamics play an important shock, which disrupts preexisting equilibria and role at all stages of displacement. creates initial mismatches in supply and demand in markets. With the passing of time, a new set of The development approach recognizes that equilibria emerges. The question is whether this new governments from both origin and host countries are environment is more or less conducive to poverty at the center of the crisis and its management. It sees reduction among the hosts. The answer depends on the forcibly displaced and their hosts as economic the initial conditions, the size and nature of the shock, agents who make choices and respond to incentives. and the policy and investment response. This approach aims to support both the refugees and their hosts in parallel. It is centered on such concepts as The socioeconomic impacts of such situations typically country leadership, and partnership with and between entail both positive and negative elements. Positive governments, the private sector, and civil society— elements are related to the arrival of newcomers, as well as economic opportunity, medium-term which, if managed well (and in particular if refugees sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Most importantly, can effectively work at their level of skills), can bring it pays particular attention to helping strengthen benefits similar to those of labor migration. In some institutions, including manage development activities situations, this may also include investments and and enhance policies. use of assets by refugees to create enterprises and employment. Negative aspects are typically three- Helping to manage changes for host fold: (1) an exacerbation of some pre-existing issues communities and challenges (for example related to slow overall Hosting large numbers of refugees creates new economic growth) for which refugees may provide opportunities and new challenges which affect the host convenient scapegoats; (2) distributional effects, with communities’ poverty reduction efforts, both positively some hosting groups bearing a disproportionate cost and negatively. Support to host communities is often (e.g., for those who, due to their qualifications or seen as an indirect way to assist refugees, by helping to spending patterns, find themselves competing with create an accepting or even a welcoming environment refugees); and (3) supply constraints, especially if the for forcibly displaced persons. But the development refugee population is concentrated in selected areas response should also aim to help reduce poverty (e.g., on basic services, environment). among the hosts, as they adjust to a transformed context. This is an objective in its own right: host The inflow of forcibly displaced can also alter the communities have development needs which have to social makeup of the community by affecting various be properly assessed, and reducing their own poverty groups in different ways. This can shift the composition often remains among their foremost priorities. Unless and the relative social status of some of these groups host communities are appropriately supported and and change their relationships. It can also give rise to promoted, the refugees’ socioeconomic inclusion will resentment and social tensions between hosts and the remain limited. newly arrived who often bring their own norms, values, and behaviors. The impact of such inflows depends The majority of refugees are hosted in peripheral in part on the host community’s overall readiness to areas either in border regions or in informal urban accept outsiders, but also on the magnitude of the or peri-urban settlements, where opportunities are 6 inflow and on the preexisting relationship or socio- and finance infrastructure and operations, and cultural affinities between the displaced and their maintenance expenditure in the short term. They hosts (language, ethnicity, religion etc.). should also help develop an adequate system that can be sustained in the medium term. The impact of forced displacement on host communities also depends on government policies. Encourage granting the forcibly displaced the • For example, the concentration of forcibly displaced freedom of movement and the right to work. persons in camps or in specific hosting areas may From a socioeconomic perspective, such policies heighten challenges for host communities (i.e. in are in the interest of all stakeholders, including terms of jobs, prices, services, or social cohesion). host communities. They allow refuges to move to When refugees have the right to work, they can fully where there are potentially better employment use their skills and contribute more to the economy and work opportunities. Parallel to this, (including potentially fiscal resources). The increase development actors should also help modernize in population resulting from the refugee inflow may the delivery of external assistance, so that it can overwhelm existing national facilities and services at better stimulate economic activity within local level, and adequate policies may be needed to host communities (for example, through cash expand access of both refugees and host communities rather than food aid) and increasingly rely on to crucial services, including infrastructure and energy. country systems. Against this backdrop, the “Forcibly Displaced” Help host countries and host communities • report identified several areas of focus to support prepare. In general, displacement can be forecast host communities: and there is time to prepare, at least in a certain way—for example with block grants that can be Address long-standing development issues, • rapidly deployed to affected municipalities when which the presence of forcibly displaced the crisis hits. When governments plan ahead, persons may exacerbate. This largely consists country systems are better equipped to manage of “traditional” development support to host shocks in a timely and effective way. Decisions countries and communities, for example to made in the immediate aftermath of a refugee improve the business environment or to reduce crisis often set a dependency path that can have inequalities. It is particularly important for fragility, long-term implications. Authorities can be ready economic management, employment, and social with a response that can be swiftly implemented cohesion. when refugees flow in. Development actors Support those who have been affected within • should help develop advance warning systems host communities. Some groups, particularly and support host governments in preparing poorer households and vulnerable persons, contingency plans. in host communities are disproportionately Helping to reduce the specific vulnerabilities affected, especially through jobs due to of the refugees increased competition and labor supply, and Development approaches are geared toward helping prices increases for selected goods. Development people escape poverty. The goal is not different for actors should help these people stay in the labor refugees, although they face additional obstacles market and maintain their livelihoods or upgrade compared with the local populations. Their experience their skills. They should also help strengthen has typically left them with a set of vulnerabilities that social protection systems to provide assistance are largely specific to them. These vulnerabilities put to those who may not be able to do so. them at risk of falling into a “poverty trap” with lasting Strengthen and expand service delivery in the • impacts that can extend across several generations. education and health sectors as well as for urban Many refugee crises last for a long time with a diversity services and utilities. Accommodating forcibly of possible situations, including in some instances displaced persons requires scaling up supply. being confined to camps for extended periods of time Development actors should help build capacity with no prospect of returning home. In such cases, 7 the development approach aims to strengthen their Help create economic opportunities where • capacity to seize opportunities not only in their current there are large numbers of refugees. environment, but also as a contribution to enabling the Optimally, this requires public investment long-term prospects for solutions. supported by external actors to encourage private sector development benefitting both local Refugees have typically suffered a major setback. They populations and refugees. A particular objective have lost many of their assets, sometimes everything. should be on sustainability once initial support Their human and social capital depletes rapidly. They programs are completed. have often experienced traumatic events, which can leave scars that are difficult to heal. When the Invest in education and skills that are in • forcibly displaced do not have access to economic demand in the labor market. This can help opportunities, they may have to adopt short-term adults adjust to their new environment and coping strategies to survive—putting children to prevent children from becoming part of a “lost work, having daughters marry early, disposing of any generation”. Increasing access, relevance and remaining assets at fire-sale prices. The experience quality may require substantial external support. of loss and trauma distinguishes them from other The focus should be on primary and secondary poor people and from economic migrants in their education, as well as on opportunities for higher host communities. education and skills development. The initial setbacks can be compounded in the host Protect refugees’ human capital by ensuring • environment. Refugees need economic opportunities access to health care and provide continuing to avoid falling into poverty or dependency. But they support to those who may not be able to seize can face severe legal restrictions on their right to work opportunities in the short term, both in camp or to move freely. Refugees may also end up in areas and non-camp urban settings. This could build where there are simply no jobs or opportunities for on lessons learned from development them, as in a lagging region or a place where there experience in reforming and modernizing is no demand for their skills. In addition, due to the social protection systems. resulting uncertainties, forcibly displaced persons Guarantee refugees’ rights, notably a legal • have short planning horizons that can lead to less than or administrative status. The lack of rights, or optimal decisions. All these factors severely constrain their poor enforcement, can be a key source of their prospects: they find themselves with limited vulnerability and a critical obstacle to contributing options, even more limited than other poor people productively to the local economy. and economic migrants in the same communities. Against this backdrop, the “Forcibly Displaced” report Placing a particular focus on specific groups identified several priorities to help refugees overcome Forced displacement does not affect all equally— their distinct vulnerabilities: and some groups are potentially more exposed to specific risks or likely to face increased hardship Support policies that enhance freedom of • and discrimination. This is particularly relevant movement and the right to work. This is in the context of the WBG’s approach to social especially important where refugees are in inclusion and economic, environmental, and social unsustainable and economically dependent sustainability, as embodied by the Environmental and situations. It reduces aid dependency, enable Social Framework (ESF). normal dignified life and encourage productive participation in local economies. Development Vulnerabilities linked to forced displacement often partners can document the potential benefits have an important gender dimension: men and women of such measures—for both forcibly displaced experience forced displacement very differently. persons and for their host communities—and Displaced populations are represented by larger support their adoption. shares of women and children and atypical family structures, including a high prevalence of female- 8 headed households among refugee populations. Against this backdrop, several areas of focus to support Women and girls face particular challenges. In some specific groups have been identified, notably in the situations, displacement can arguably provide space for “Forcibly Displaced” report: “positive” change and empowerment, as when gender Strengthen gender equality. This is important • norms are more progressive than in the place of origin, for having an environment in which refugee or when traditional divisions of labor are disrupted. But women and girls do not experience specific women and girls also often risk rape, sexual abuse, and gender-related barriers to accessing services and other forms of gender-based violence throughout the economic opportunities compared with national displacement cycle—during flight, in transit as well as women and girls and refugee men and boys. in exile. Sexual exploitation, engaging in transactional This is especially pertinent for medium- and sex as refugee women seek to provide for their long-term development given the high families or early marriage of young girls are common prevalence of female-headed households across many displacement situations. Girls and women in refugee populations. are often forced to leave refugee camps and other refugee settlements to gather firewood, water, and, Support institutions which provide • food, especially in situations where natural resources vulnerable categories of refugees with are scarce. This leaves them vulnerable to sexual adequate protection. This can facilitate the violence, especially in contexts where sexual violence access to appropriate protection and care for is used as a weapon. Women face specific protection unaccompanied and separated children, victims risks including family separation, psychosocial stress of trafficking in person, and survivors of gender- and trauma. Their access to the labor market as well based violence. as to education and adequate health services is not always guaranteed and in societies with strong gender Promote social inclusion. This is important to • norms that disempower women, widows or female ensure that all refugees, irrespective of their headed households are particularly at risk of exclusion. age, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, country of origin, political opinions, indigenous status, Refugee populations are very diverse. They include disability, sexual orientation, membership in a groups that may have specific vulnerabilities and particular social group, or other characteristics require dedicated support—such as unaccompanied benefit equally from services and socioeconomic children, youth, the elderly, persons with disabilities, opportunities. This is underpinned by the and ethnic minorities. Such groups with specific principles embodied in the ESF. vulnerabilities exist in higher proportions within refugees than in non-refugee populations. In some Provide dedicated support to those who • countries, refugees’ characteristics such as age, may not be able to access socioeconomic gender, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, country of opportunities, even when they are available. origin, political opinions, indigenous status, disability, This can allow to avoid that persons with sexual orientation, membership in a particular social disabilities, elderly, or unaccompanied children group, or others may also have a particular significance become marginalized and fall in the poverty trap. and increase risks of discrimination. 9 DETAILED FRAMEWORK FOR THE POLICY REVIEW A. TERMINOLOGY policy can be included when such practice is very broadly and publicly known and is considered binding Under international law, “refugees” are persons by all concerned. outside their countries of origin who are in need of international protection because of feared persecution, See Annex 4 for the glossary of terms used in the RPRF. or a serious threat to their life, physical integrity or freedom in their country of origin as a result of B. KEY PRINCIPLES persecution, armed conflict, violence or serious public disorder.11 The WBG follows UNHCR guidance as to The RPRF is informed by the following key principles: which persons are refugees in a given population.12 No “one-size-fits-all” approach. There is a strong • For the purposes of the WHR and the RPRF, the term consensus that refugee-related policies have to be “refugees” includes both refugees and people in tailored to each hosting country’s situation, and in “refugee-like situations” as defined by UNHCR.13 For particular to the specifics of the forced displacement RPRF purposes, the term “refugee” will also be taken situation (e.g., in terms of numbers, origin, etc.) to include asylum-seekers where and if appropriate. and to the political and socioeconomic constraints For RPRF purposes, “refugee policy” refers to formal the hosting country may be facing. The situation of legal and administrative instruments (including laws, the host communities and a proper consideration of regulations, proclamations, judicial and administrative their needs, particularly the ones impacted by the decisions, national strategies, development or inflow of refugees are also key elements. The RPRF sectoral plans, roadmaps, and other written materials) should hence not be seen as providing a universal issued by a national authority (legislative, judiciary or standardized set of policies for managing refugee or executive branch), including agreements or situations across countries, nor as a “refugee index” to memoranda of understanding with international benchmark countries. It will hence focus on qualitative organizations, that regulate refugees’ admission to narratives rather than quantified measurements (and the country, their acquisition of legal status and legal communicate accordingly). The RPRF is not meant rights, and the conditions under which they live and to inform cross-country comparisons, but rather to work. In exceptional cases, practice or unwritten analyze changes over time in a given country. 11  he 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees defines a refugee as a person “who is outside his or her country of nationality T or habitual residence; has a well-founded fear of being persecuted because of his or her race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion; and is unable or unwilling to avail him- or herself of the protection of that country, or to return there, for fear of persecution” (Art. 1 A. (1)). In Africa, the 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa adds to the 1951 Convention definition by recognizing as refugees people who are forced to flee due to “external aggression, occupation, foreign domination or events seriously disturbing public order” (Art. 1(2)). 12 The RPRF is geared only towards refugees, which does not include migrants (who choose to move to improve their lives by finding work,  pursuing education, or other reasons and who do not primarily fear persecution or flee violence and conflict). Refugees benefit from a distinct status under international law, while migrants do not. The international community responds to these respective situations through different frameworks. Refugees are entitled to international protection under international refugee law obligations, while migrants are subject to normative standards and soft law such as the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration. These groups hence face different policy constraints to their socioeconomic development. 13 International Development Association, Implementation Guidelines: IDA19 Window for Host Communities and Refugees (2020), at para.  2(a). See the RPRF Glossary (Annex 4) for a definition of “refugee-like situations.” The RPRF is focused solely on refugees including those in refugee-like situations; this does not include internally displaced persons (IDPs). In contrast to refugees, IDPs are nationals of the country in which they are displaced, and therefore face different legal and policy constraints to their socioeconomic development. The RPRF therefore considers only refugee-related policies, not those related to internal displacement. 10 Consistency with the international normative • with a focus on those that are most relevant framework. The WBG’s support to host to the achievement of the WBG’s poverty communities and refugees is part of a broader reduction objectives for both host international process, which is underpinned by communities and refugees. key international agreements, including the 1951 Operational relevance. The RPRF aims to • Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, inform the WBG’s policy dialogue and as such its 1967 Protocol, the 2018 Global Compact on needs to be focused on critical policies that Refugees, the 1969 Convention Governing the could potentially be adjusted by the host Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa, countries’ authorities to improve socioeconomic and related international instruments.14 The opportunities for host communities and refugees. RPRF—while recognizing that some countries The RPRF is looking at both the existence of a provide protection to refugees even when they formal policy and its levels of implementation, are not signatories to such instruments—draws and needs to strike an effective balance from these agreements as it identifies possible between formal policy changes and their actual areas of focus for the WBG policy dialogue, within implementation. Key indicators must also share a the context of the WBG’s mandate and building number of characteristics: measurability, ease of on the institution’s development experience and collection, and sensitivity to policy changes. adherence to the ESF. It has also been developed in consultation with UNHCR, which is established Realism. The RPRF includes an exhaustive • to provide international protection and seek list of those areas where change would be together with governments permanent solutions meaningful from a development perspective. It for the problem of refugees. This includes a is not expected that there will be progress on all mandate to lead in monitoring and overseeing policy dimensions during an IDA cycle. In most the application of international agreements for situations, progress is expected to be incremental, the protection of refugees in regional and national non-linear, and largely determined by the political laws and policies as well as their implementation economy at the time within a given country. across countries.15 Selectivity. Policies affecting refugees and • C. OBJECTIVES host communities are manifold and cut across a The RPRF overall objective is to identify key areas for multiplicity of sectors and areas. For the policy WBG policy dialogue on forced displacement and review to be effective and meaningful, it needs document progress in each given country over time. to be focused on a relatively limited set of issues It will measure the progress since the WHR/RSW was which are most relevant to IDA’s objectives. The established, help identify further reform opportunities RPRF hence needs to identify such a set of priority and inform further WHR support. policy areas among those identified in the GCR, 14 R  elevant international human rights instruments include: ILO Convention No. 29 on Forced Labour (1930); ILO Convention No. 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise (1948); ILO Convention No. 98 on the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining (1949); ILO Convention No. 100 on Equal Remuneration (1951); ILO Convention No. 105 on the Abolition of Forced Labour (1957); ILO Convention No. 111 on Discrimination (Employment and Occupation)(1958); the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1965); the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966); the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966); ILO Convention No. 138 on Minimum Age (1973); the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (1979); the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (1984); the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989); ILO Convention No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour (1999); and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006). 15 To note that international treaty law also requires States to provide UNHCR with information on the number and well-being of refugees and  the laws and policies concerning them. 11 D. POLICY DIMENSIONS, Access to economic opportunities, to ensure • SUB-DIMENSIONS AND that refugees can make further progress towards GUIDING QUESTIONS self-reliance and maintain or further develop their skills, which is key both while in exile and for In line with these principles, and based on both the preparing for an eventual durable solution, with development approach to forced displacement a focus on freedom of movement; right to work articulated by the WBG and the inputs received and rights at work; land, housing and property through the consultation process, the RPRF is rights; and access to financial and administrative articulated around four main policy dimensions, which services. This also reflects the importance of are further divided into selected sub-dimensions, and conducive conditions for the private sector to two cross-cutting themes (also see Annex 1 for the engage in refugee-hosting areas. corresponding Theory of Change): Access to public services, to ensure that • Policies toward host communities,16 to help • refugees can access national systems in them make progress in their own poverty conditions similar to nationals, with a focus on reduction effort, in an environment that has often education and health care, and that vulnerable been impacted by the presence of refugees, groups can enjoy an adequate degree of support. with a focus on direct support (fiscal transfers, social protection); social cohesion; environmental Cross-cutting themes—gender and social • management; and preparedness to inclusion, to ensure that policies are adapted mitigate impacts in the case of new inflows, to the distinct needs of specific groups and where relevant. that they are designed and implemented in a non-discriminatory manner, across all policy  verall regulatory environment and •O dimensions. These were designed with due governance, to ensure that refugees can regard to the ESF and its principles to address effectively enjoy basic rights conferred to them impacts on vulnerable individuals or groups. by relevant international legal instruments and that are key to their ability to make progress Under each of the policy sub-dimensions, the RPRF has towards poverty reduction, with a focus on the further identified an overall “priority orientation” which overall protection framework; the ability to access reflects the WBG’s overall approach as articulated in a secured legal status; the institutional framework key documents, and which can provide a concrete for refugee management and coordination; framework for assessing progress over time. Table 1 the ability to access civil registration and provides a presentation of such priority orientations, documentation; and the ability to enjoy security which is further detailed with guiding questions under and access justice. each area in Annex 2. 16 F  or methodological purposes, host communities are under a specific dimension, which is distinct from the other dimensions related to refugees. However, in practice, some policies apply to both or are similar for both. Many issues are connected and the discussion on policies for hosting communities and for refugees are to be integrated and not to be held separately. 12 Table 1: Policy dimensions, sub-dimensions and priority orientations for reform 1 Host Communities 1.1 Support for Priority orientation: Support is provided to refugee-hosting areas as part of an approach that communities takes into consideration the estimated socioeconomic impacts on local communities hosting in refugee- refugees (i) in public resource allocations and (ii) in extending social protection to individuals hosting areas who are economically affected by the situation. 1.2 Social cohesion Priority orientation: Effective steps are taken to identify, prevent, and mitigate social tensions and risks of violence between and within refugee and host communities and to combat discrimination. 1.3 Environmental Priority orientation: Effective measures are in place to prevent or mitigate environmental management degradation in refugee-hosting areas and sustainably manage natural resources. 1.4 Preparedness Priority orientation: Robust preparedness plans are in place to mitigate the impact of possible for refugee new refugee inflows. inflows 2 Regulatory Environment and Governance 2.1 Normative Priority orientation: Policies related to refugee status determination, legal status, and rights framework and obligations of refugees are clearly defined and in line with applicable international and regional norms and standards and are easily accessible and well known by refugees, the national and local authorities, and other national stakeholders. 2.2 Security of legal Priority orientation: (i) Legal stay arrangements are secure and predictable with adequate status time perspectives; and (ii) no expulsion of asylum-seekers or refugees takes place in violation of international law. 2.3 Institutional Priority orientation: An efficient government-led coordination system is in place and enables framework the management of the refugee situation, policy development as well as effective coordination for refugee across government and with external parties. This includes a representative consultation management mechanism which allows the authorities to get input and feedback from refugees on decisions and coordination affecting them. 2.4 Access to civil Priority orientation: All refugees have access to official personal identification (proof of legal registration and identity) and are able to register vital events (birth, marriage, divorce and death) with the civil documentation registry and be issued with documentation. 2.5 Justice and Priority orientation: (i) Refugees enjoy a level of security on an equal basis with nationals, and security (ii) refugees have access to civil, administrative and criminal justice and other grievance redress mechanisms under the same conditions as nationals. 3 Economic Opportunities 3.1 Freedom of Priority orientation: Refugees can choose their place of residence and move freely across the movement country as nationals of a foreign country generally in the same circumstances would. 3.2 Rights to Priority orientation: (i) Refugees have access to the labor market, including by starting a work and business and seeking wage-earning employment, in the same way as nationals; and (ii) refugees rights at work enjoy protection of workers’ rights on the same level as nationals. 3.3 Land, housing Priority orientation: Refugees can purchase, lease and use housing, land and property in the and property same way as nationals, without restriction on location, type, or duration, or at least benefit rights from the most favorable treatment accorded to nationals of a foreign country in the same circumstances. 13 3.4 Financial and Priority orientation: Refugees have effective access to financial services and to administrative administrative services (driving license, recognition of professional/academic qualifications, skills development) services which are essential for economic opportunities. 4 Access to National Public Services 4.1 Education Priority orientation: Refugees have the possibility to effectively and safely access the national education system under the same conditions as nationals. 4.2 Healthcare Priority orientation: Refugees have the possibility to effectively and safely access the publicly financed health care system under the same conditions as nationals. 4.3 Social protection Priority orientation: Vulnerable refugees and vulnerable host community members have access to basic levels of assistance in a manner that is equitable in terms of coverage, targeting, and levels of benefits. 4.4 Protection for Priority orientation: Protection and care are available to unaccompanied and separated vulnerable children, refugee victims of trafficking in persons, survivors of gender-based violence, and other groups refugee groups with specific needs. 5 Cross Sectors 5.1 Gender Priority orientation: Refugees of all gender groups do not experience specific gender-related barriers to accessing services and economic opportunities. 5.2 Social inclusion Priority orientation: All refugees, irrespective of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, country of origin, statelessness, political opinions, indigenous status, disability, sexual orientation, membership in a particular social group, or other characteristics, benefit on an equitable basis from relevant policies, including those related to access to services and economic opportunities. E. IMPLEMENTATION: PROCESS Bank to benefit from UNHCR’s extensive presence AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR DATA on the ground and knowledge of refugee situations, COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS strengthen the alignment of its efforts with other strands of the global debate on refugee policies, and The RPRF review cycle will be carried out to inform the reinforce the credibility of the assessment by basing IDA Mid-term Review and Replenishment process. The it on information provided by an independent and RPRF baseline will be available in spring 2021 and the internationally recognized third party. This partnership first review for IDA19 Mid-Term Review (exact delivery is expected to be formalized in an exchange of letters time to be confirmed in mid-2021). The frequency of between the two institutions. further reviews will be decided upon in due time. To launch the RPRF process, the WBG will proactively The process for each RPRF review cycle will be led by reach out to refugee-hosting governments to share the FCV Group in close cooperation and partnership this Technical Note and clarify any points that may with UNHCR. UNHCR has kindly agreed to collect deserve discussion, including with regard to the role the country data and information necessary for the of UNHCR. country-level assessment of changes that will be conducted by the WBG. This process will allow the 14 The RPRF review cycle and corresponding been drafted based on information provided by responsibilities are spelled out below: UNHCR at the request of the WBG.18 UNHCR will be kept informed throughout this consultation. In Step 1 – Initial collection of data and information case of inaccuracies noted by the government, the (six weeks). The RPRF process will draw from UNHCR’s WBG and UNHCR will discuss how the issue can be standard information gathering and government represented in a fair and accurate manner and will collaboration on refugee policies and institutional endeavor to find a solution to solve the discrepancy, environments as per its mandate. UNHCR has kindly including, where appropriate, in a trilateral discussion agreed to expand these processes to collect and with the government. share information that is necessary for the RPRF, based on their knowledge of the situation and relevant Step 3 – Overall analysis and progress report resources, including publicly available datasets, (two weeks). The FCV Group will prepare an overall domestic laws, regulations and other policies, the analysis of progress over the reporting period which confidential protection assessment prepared by draws from country summaries established by UNHCR, UNHCR for the eligibility of each WHR country,17 and and inputs from various stakeholders, including CSOs. UNHCR, WBG and other relevant stakeholders’ public Step 4 – Finalization and WBG review (two weeks). material. This will include consultations with the host The final Refugee Policy Review (overall analysis of governments, WBG CMUs, relevant global practices progress and UNHCR country summaries as annexes) and other staff, including IFC specialists. It is also will be subject to a WBG-wide review meeting, chaired expected that this information will reflect the dialogue by the FCV Group Senior Director to which UNHCR UNHCR is maintaining with refugees, relevant CSOs will participate as peer reviewer. and representatives of the private sector, as may be appropriate. UNHCR will provide the WBG with Step 5 – Follow up (continuous). The Refugee Policy a country summary based on collected data and Review will be broadly disseminated to all stakeholders information. This will include introductory data points concerned (IDA countries eligible to the RPRF, countries and short narratives under each policy dimension/ which contribute to IDA, IDA Deputies, UNHCR, CSOs, sub-dimension, based on guiding questions and development actors, etc.), and will be made publicly changes against the baseline, in the format presented available in line with the IDA19 Deputies’ report, which in Annex 3. UNHCR has committed to applying their states the WBG “will make every effort to ensure that internal quality assurance process to these country the review’s key findings and recommendations will be summaries, including with a view to ensuring accuracy publicly available”.19 and consistency across countries. The analysis presented in the Refugee Policy Review Step 2 – Absence of objection by host countries’ is expected to guide the policy dialogue with refugee- governments (four weeks). The WBG will share hosting countries in the subsequent period, including the country summary with relevant host countries’ to purposefully identify further reform opportunities governments to give them an opportunity to provide and inform further WHR support, as committed to the clarifications and feedback, including on any possible IDA Deputies. To that effect, for each country, the FCV inaccuracies. This would be done through a process of Group will draft a short strategy document based on the absence of objection with a four-week response period. Refugee Policy Review, which will focus on priorities, In its communication to the concerned government, policy reform opportunities and potential further WHR the WBG will indicate that the country summary has support. This document will be established following in 17 P  lease note that the RPRF does not determine the eligibility of countries for the WHR. The documents required to establish the eligibility of each WHR country include an eligibility note prepared by WBG Country Management Units (CMUs), a strategy note prepared by the concerned country, and the confidential protection assessment prepared by UNHCR to inform the WBG’s determination of the adequacy of a country’s refugee protection framework. 18 The correspondence will typically be addressed to the Governor of the World Bank, and copied to relevant sectoral ministries and technical  agencies, including the national institutional focal point for refugee matters as well as to the UNHCR country representative. 19 IDA Deputies report, par. 116.  15 depth discussions with the concerned government and F. PRESENTATION OF THE REFUGEE consultations with UNHCR, relevant CSOs and other POLICY REVIEW development partners. It will be validated in a meeting Each Refugee Policy Review will be produced as chaired by the WBG Country Director in accordance an ASA work product, for which this Technical Note with the Accountability and Decision-Making (ADM) provides the global framework (see draft outline in framework for Advisory Services and Analytics (ASA). Annex 3). This strategic document will be developed after the first Refugee Policy Review and then at the start of The ASA will aim to provide a comprehensive review each IDA cycle, as appropriate. of significant policy changes related to refugee management during the reporting period for each The regular production of reviews will also contribute country, as well as their expected implementation and to the global knowledge on forced displacement and impact, and an overall perspective on the overall pace to assessment of the WBG’s comparative advantage in and direction of policy advancements across countries. this area. The ASA will not aim to make comparisons across The establishment of the RPRF initial baseline for each countries, but capture developments over time in each country will follow a twofold approach. As per the given country. IDA policy commitment, the periodic review needs to The ASA will be comprised of two parts: (1) an overall consider progress since the inception of the window/ analysis of changes in the respective countries, sub-window at the time of the initial eligibility note of prepared by the FCV Group; and (2) an annex each country (in most cases 2017). In doing so, the presenting country-level attachments with country review will show the extent to which the IDA support summaries detailing information and changes under has helped to shift policy and implementation since each policy dimension and sub-dimension, which inception. Recognizing that some data points may not UNHCR has kindly agreed to provide. be available as far back as 2017, the process to fulfill this commitment will be the following: To sum up, the RPRF will complement the WHR process, in the following manner: UNHCR will conduct a desk review to identify • key refugee policy changes that have occurred At inception (for each RSW/WHR country): the • in each WHR country from the establishment of government prepares and shares with the WBG a their initial IDA18 RSW eligibility up to the end strategy/action plan, which provides the basis for of IDA18 (30 June 2020). This process will focus eligibility; the WBG prepares an eligibility note to on de jure policies to provide a retrospective allow access to the WHR. overview of policy changes for each WHR country under IDA18. On a bi-annual basis: UNHCR provides the WBG • with a Refugee Protection Assessment for each Simultaneously, UNHCR will apply the whole RPRF • WHR country, which helps the WBG determine methodology for collecting information and data the continued adequacy of the refugee as at the start of IDA19 (1 July 2020). protection framework. The first country summaries will integrate information At the IDA Mid-Term Review: the WBG prepares • from both workstreams and have the retrospective note the RPRF, with UNHCR support, including annexed. Steps one, two, and five as outlined above assessing progress since initial eligibility under the will also be implemented. The baseline review will RSW/WHR and identifying priority areas for policy start in early March 2021 and the absence of objection dialogue in each WHR country. by host countries’ governments will be sought by the second half of April 2021. 16 G. RISKS AND MITIGATION MEASURES Political economy. Depending on the • circumstances in the host country and/or country The RPRF aims to enhance policy dialogue, notably of origin, the handling of a refugee crisis may by supporting IDA refugee-hosting countries in involve political and security sensitivities. As their efforts to adopt policies that best advance the committed through IDA19, the RPRF focuses socio-economic development of host communities on the situation of host communities and and refugees while fitting the circumstances that a refugees in the host countries, notably to inform given country is facing. Some potential risks have WHR further support for refugees and host been identified in the implementation of the RPRF. communities Understanding the constraints These risks and the corresponding mitigation of host countries and communities is key to strategies include: understand the political economy constraints. Perception. There may be inaccurate • On this basis, demonstrating and communicating expectations or perceptions of the RPRF as the socioeconomic benefits of refugee inclusion a way to compare or rank refugee-hosting based on evidence allows to advance the countries, to encourage standard policy formula dialogue, both globally and with the concerned across countries, to provide an exhaustive list authorities. Highlighting how the WBG work of desirable policies, to compare countries, in addressing the drivers of displacement and etc. It will be important to maintain a regular creating the conditions for sustainable return dialogue with the concerned governments and to to the country of origin complements the consistently communicate with other stakeholders WHR objectives is also important. The political the purpose of the RPRF, in particular that the economy in the country of origin and its capability exercise is not aimed at making cross country or willingness to allow the safe return of refugees comparison but at assessing changes in each is also a paramount factor for strengthening a country concerned. conducive environment in the host country for establishing and maintaining a solid Partnership and efficiency. The RPRF is • refugee framework. implemented in close partnership with UNHCR. The WBG will rely largely on information and Stakeholders. The multiplicity of agencies or • data collected by UNHCR, which will draft organizations supporting the refugee response the various country summaries. Concerned may create a risk in the implementation of the governments might have differing interpretations RPRF. Humanitarian and development partners of relevant policies and their implementation. interventions are for the most part focused On socioeconomic issues, UNHCR and the WBG on refugees and on a more limited scale, host will have to collaborate closely in order to ensure communities. Without an institutional mechanism their respective expertise and data are effectively between the concerned government and the complemented. As such, UNHCR will consult various partners for strategic coordination, with WBG specialists on these issues during the the value-added of these interventions as data collection phase; with UNHCR and WBG advocacy instruments for strengthening refugee headquarters ready to harmonize available policy could be weakened. To mitigate this datasets. The nature of the cooperation between risk, the WBG will have a sustained dialogue the WBG and UNHCR and their respective roles with other development actors and the in the various phases of the RPRF will be clearly relevant governments, and will encourage the explained to the concerned governments. governments to establish or strengthen dialogue Efforts, including through trilateral discussion and coordination mechanism. where appropriate, will also be made to avoid any misunderstanding and solve possible discrepancies. 17 ANNEX 1: THEORY OF CHANGE 18 ANNEX 2: POLICY DIMENSIONS, PRIORITY ORIENTATIONS, AND GUIDING QUESTIONS A questionnaire has been developed to disaggregate the policy dimensions and sub-dimensions into guiding questions. The responses to the various questions, which reference both the formal policies and their actual implementation,20 will lead to a qualitative analysis for each country. The framework is expected to be kept unchanged across the IDA19 period, at the end of which possible need for adjustments will be reviewed. Two cross-cutting issues are encompassed in all policy areas: gender and social inclusion based on refugees’ certain characteristics.21 These considerations are incorporated throughout the RPRF guiding questions but reported upon in specific sections. 1 Host Communities 1.1 Support for Priority orientation: Support is provided to refugee-hosting areas as part of an approach that communities in takes into consideration the estimated socioeconomic impacts on local communities hosting refugee-hosting refugees (i) in public resource allocations and (ii) in extending social protection to individuals areas who are economically affected by the situation. See GCR, paras. 32, 64-65, 81. a)  Do national fiscal/budget policies provide for timely additional financial transfers (both investment and operating expenditure) from the national level to the areas that are economically affected by the presence of refugees? b)  Do social protection policies provide for an effective extension of social safety net programs to host community members who are negatively affected by the situation resulting from the presence of refugees? 1.2 Social cohesion Priority orientation: Effective steps are taken to identify, prevent, and mitigate social tensions and risks of violence between and within refugee and host communities and to combat discrimination. See GCR, paras. 77, 84. a)  Are there policies directly or indirectly aimed at identifying, preventing, and mitigating potential social tensions and risks of violence in refugee-hosting areas? b)  Are there local mechanisms which promote peaceful coexistence, dialogue, joint activities, or citizen engagement and include representatives of both refugees and host communities? c)  Are there national policies to formally protect refugees from discrimination, including based on age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, country of origin, statelessness, political opinions, indigenous status, disability, sexual orientation, membership in a particular social group, or other characteristics? 1.3 Environmental Priority orientation: Effective measures are in place to prevent or mitigate environmental management degradation in refugee-hosting areas and sustainably manage natural resources. See GCR, paras. 78-79. a)  Are there policies to mitigate the environmental impact of hosting refugees—especially in terms of access to energy to limit deforestation and other natural resource management such as water resource management, waste management, and access to sanitation in refugee-hosting areas? 20 D  espite the fact that implementation is only expressly referred to in a couple of questions, the response to each question will systematically look at the existence of the concerned policies and its degree of implementation, when relevant. 21 See 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (hereinafter ‘1951 Convention’), Article 3; 2018 Global Compact on Refugees  (hereinafter ‘GCR’), paras. 13, 51, 59-60, 74-75, 76-77, 84. 19 1.4 Preparedness Priority orientation: Robust preparedness plans are in place to mitigate the impact of possible for refugee new refugee inflows. inflows See GCR, paras. 32, 52-53. a)  Is there a national preparedness framework, including institutional mechanisms, to respond to increased or new refugee inflows in ways that minimize short- and medium-term socioeconomic impacts on hosting regions and is it regularly updated? 2 Regulatory Environment and Governance 2.1 Normative Priority orientation: Policies related to refugee status determination, legal status, and rights framework and obligations of refugees are clearly defined and in line with applicable international and regional norms and standards and are easily accessible and well known by refugees, the national and local authorities, and other national stakeholders. See 1951 Convention, arts. 35-36; GCR, paras. 5-6, 20. a)  Are the commitments made by the country under international law explicitly incorporated into national legislation and regulations? b)  Is there a refugee status determination system in line with applicable international and regional norms and standards? c)  Are there gaps in awareness of applicable policies among relevant authorities, refugees and other stakeholders? 2.2 Security of Priority orientation: (i) Legal stay arrangements are secure and predictable with adequate time legal status perspectives; and (ii) no expulsion of asylum-seekers or refugees takes place in violation of international law. See 1951 Convention, arts. 12, 32-34; GCR, paras. 61-62, 82, 97, 100. a)  Can refugees benefit from predictable legal stay arrangements without policy limitations, such as time limits, renewal/extension requirements, and lengthy procedures for renewal/extension? b)  In the last year, have there been reported cases of unlawful termination of refugee status? Have there been reported cases of refoulement (e.g. forcible or coerced returns; non-admission or push backs at the border) of asylum-seekers and refugees? 2.3 Institutional Priority orientation: An efficient government-led coordination system is in place and enables framework the management of the refugee situation, policy development as well as effective coordination for refugee across government and with external parties. This includes a representative consultation management mechanism which allows the authorities to get input and feedback from refugees on decisions and coordination affecting them. See GCR, paras. 20-21, 34. a)  Does the national institutional framework for refugee management involve sectoral ministries, foster coordination between central and local levels of government, and provide leadership on donor coordination? b)  Are refugees included within national data collection systems (e.g. census, demographic health survey, education management information system) and national development planning processes or strategies to adequately inform policy decisions? c)  Is there a consultation mechanism to obtain refugee input and feedback on decisions taken at the national, sub-national or local levels, and how representative is it? 20 2.4 Access to civil Priority orientation: All refugees have access to official personal identification (proof of legal registration and identity) and are able to register vital events (birth, marriage, divorce and death) with the civil documentation registry and be issued with documentation. See 1951 Convention, arts. 12, 25, 27-28; GCR paras. 58, 82, 100. a)  Are refugees entitled to receive official personal identification (document, electronic card, or other digital credential) which is effectively recognized by national and sub-national authorities, law enforcement entities, and the private sector (e.g. financial services, and mobile money, private employers), and do refugees routinely avail of these rights? b)  Are refugees entitled to register vital events that occur in the host country or have occurred before coming to the host country (birth, marriage, divorce, and death) and to be issued the corresponding civil registration documentation (birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates), and do refugees routinely avail of these rights? 2.5 Justice and Priority orientation: (i) Refugees enjoy a level of security on an equal basis with nationals, and security (ii) refugees have access to civil, administrative and criminal justice and other grievance redress mechanisms under the same conditions as nationals. See 1951 Convention, art. 16; GCR, paras. 57, 75. a) Is the level of security enjoyed by refugees comparable to that enjoyed by nationals in the same areas? b) Are there policies in place to prevent and deter gender-based violence in refugee-hosting areas? c) Can refugees access law enforcement and justice in the same way as nationals? 3 Economic Opportunities 3.1 Freedom of Priority orientation: Refugees can choose their place of residence and move freely across the movement country as nationals of a foreign country generally in the same circumstances would. See 1951 Convention, art. 26; GCR, paras. 42, 54. a)  Are refugees allowed to freely move within the host country as non-nationals generally in the same circumstances would, and do refugees routinely avail of these rights? b)  Are refugees allowed to freely choose their place of residence in the host country as non-nationals generally in the same circumstances would? 3.2 Rights to work Priority orientation: (i) Refugees have access to the labor market, including by starting a and rights at business and seeking wage-earning employment, in the same way as nationals; and (ii) refugees work enjoy protection of workers’ rights on the same level as nationals. See 1951 Convention, arts. 15, 17-19, 24; GCR, paras. 70-71, 99. a)  Are refugees allowed to seek wage-earning employment, and what percentage of refugees are employed in the formal sector? b)  Do policies require refugees to have specific work permits, and under which conditions? If yes, how burdensome is the acquisition or renewal of such work permits? How many refugees currently possess such permits? c) Are refugees allowed to open businesses and register them in their own name? d)  Do policies provide refugees with the same worker protections as nationals, including with regard to same salary for the same job in the public sector, non-salary discrimination in the private sector and protection against child employment? e)  Are the refugees’ professional certificates/diplomas recognized by the competent authorities of the host government and allow them to practice a profession? 21 3.3 Land, housing Priority orientation: Refugees can purchase, lease and use housing, land and property in the and property same way as nationals, without restriction on location, type, or duration, or at least benefit rights from the most favorable treatment accorded to nationals of a foreign country in the same circumstances. See 1951 Convention, arts. 13, 21, 30. a)  Are refugees allowed to purchase or lease or use land as nationals of a foreign country in the same circumstances would? b)  Are refugees allowed to purchase, lease or use housing and immovable property as nationals of a foreign country in the same circumstances would? c) Are refugees allowed to access public/social housing when such programs exist? 3.4 Financial and Priority orientation: Refugees have effective access to financial services and to administrative administrative services (driving license, recognition of professional/academic qualifications, skills development) services which are essential for economic opportunities. See 1951 Convention, arts. 22, 25; GCR, paras. 69, 71. a)  Can refugees open bank accounts and access traditional financial services (payments, savings, borrowing) in the same way as the country’s nationals, and do refugees routinely avail of these rights? b)  Are refugees allowed to access mobile money/mobile phone banking in the same way as nationals, and do refugees routinely avail of these rights? c)  Can refugees obtain key administrative documents or certifications that are necessary for them to access employment and other socioeconomic opportunities (such as recognition of foreign academic and vocational qualifications, and driving licenses, recognition of educational attainments received outside of a national system, as in refugee camps, or access to national driving licenses), and do refugees routinely avail of these rights? d)  Do policies provide for skills development opportunities for refugees? 4 Access to National Public Services 4.1 Education Priority orientation: Refugees have the possibility to effectively and safely access the national education system under the same conditions as nationals. See 1951 Convention, art. 22; GCR, paras. 68-69, 75. a)  Do education policies allow refugees to enroll in primary, secondary, and tertiary schools in the national education system under the same conditions as the country’s nationals? What percentage of refugee children are enrolled in these systems and how does this compare to host communities? b)  Do education policies provide for specialized services (such as accessible learning services, accelerated education, language training, remedial learning programs, catching-up programs, psychosocial support) for host community and refugee children as may be necessary? 4.2 Healthcare Priority orientation: Refugees have the possibility to effectively and safely access the publicly financed health care system under the same conditions as nationals. See GCR, paras. 72-73, 75. a)  Do healthcare policies allow refugees to access the publicly financed health care system under the same conditions as the country’s nationals, and do refugees routinely avail of these rights? b)  Can refugee women and girls access sexual and reproductive health services—including maternal and neonatal health services—and other women’s health services under the national healthcare system in a manner comparable to national women and girls, and do refugee women and girls routinely avail of these rights? c)  Do healthcare policies allow refugees to be enrolled in the national public health insurance system in the same way as nationals? If not, is there a system that can finance refugees’ health care costs in the publicly financed health system? 22 4.3 Social protection Priority orientation: Vulnerable refugees and vulnerable host community members have access to basic levels of assistance in a manner that is equitable in terms of coverage, targeting, and levels of benefits. See 1951 Convention, arts. 20, 23-24; GCR, para. 81. a)  Do vulnerable refugees, including persons with disabilities and older persons, have access to basic levels of assistance provided through government programs and/or external aid? If so, what percentage of the refugee population is covered by this assistance and how does this compare to the host community? b)  Is there a framework for dialogue between the government and international partners, to move towards a gradual alignment of aid and social protection systems, and of support to vulnerable refugees and vulnerable host community members, in terms of coverage, targeting, and levels of benefits? 4.4 Protection for Priority orientation: Protection and care are available to unaccompanied and separated vulnerable refugee children, refugee victims of trafficking in persons, survivors of gender-based violence, groups and other refugee groups with specific needs. See GCR, paras. 13, 51, 59-60, 74-75, 76-77, 84. a)  Do unaccompanied and separated refugee children, refugee victims of trafficking in persons, survivors of gender- based violence, or other refugee groups with specific needs have access to care and protection systems in a manner comparable to nationals in the same situation? 5 Cross Sectors 5.1 Gender Priority orientation: Refugees of all gender groups do not experience specific gender-related barriers to accessing services and economic opportunities. a)  In which three to five sub-dimensions would improvement to gender considerations be most consequential in terms of socioeconomic development? 5.2 Social inclusion Priority orientation: All refugees, irrespective of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, country of origin, statelessness, political opinions, indigenous status, disability, sexual orientation, membership in a particular social group or other characteristics, benefit on an equitable basis from relevant policies, including those related to access to services and economic opportunities. a)  In which three to five sub-dimensions are differences or restrictions in terms of policies and their implementation related to refugees’ characteristics, including age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, country of origin, statelessness political opinions, indigenous status, disability, sexual orientation, membership in a particular social group or other characteristics, most consequential in terms of socioeconomic development? 23 ANNEX 3: DRAFT OUTLINE OF THE RPRF REVIEW Introduction (2 pages) • Background, IDA commitment, nature and objectives of the RPRF • Overall evolution of the global forced displacement situation during the reporting period • Evolution of situation in the main countries of origin Significant policy changes during the reporting period (5-10 pages) – Write up by the WBG based on UNHCR data Country-by-country analysis of significant policy changes during the reporting period (if any): introduction on • each country (evolution of the situation, situation in the countries of origin, approval and implementation of WHR-financed operations), specific policy changes, expected impact, next steps in implementation of policy reforms (about 1/3 page per change). Conclusion (1 page) – Write up by the WBG Overall priorities and recommendations for the subsequent period, based on ongoing evolution of forced • displacement situations, and opportunities for further dialogue and WHR financing. Annex: country-level attachments (about 10 pages per country) – Provided by UNHCR • Summary for each country with: Background on each country: population; number of refugees and their disaggregation by age, gender, etc.; • countries of origin; location (geographical areas, camps versus non-camp dwellings, etc.); main applicable legislation (and accession to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, and regional and international treaties related to refugees, including reservations and declarations); eligibility for the IDA 18 RSW/IDA 19 WHR and corresponding operations. For each policy dimension and sub-dimension: baseline, change if any, new baseline • (based on guiding questions). NB. The country summary established as the RPRF initial baseline will be accompanied by an annex: Annex to the baseline country summary: Retrospective Note (2 pages per country) – Desk review done by UNHCR Country-by-country retrospective overview of refugee policy changes related to each RPRF dimension and • sub-dimension that have occurred under IDA 18 since each country’s eligibility to the RSW; focusing on existence of polices (de jure). This note will inform analysis in the baseline country summaries and provide the contextual foundation for subsequent RPRF reviews. 24 ANNEX 4: GLOSSARY OF TERMS This glossary defines terms which are used throughout the RPRF for RPRF purposes. It should not be construed to define terms for use outside of the RPRF. Term Definition Location in Questionnaire Asylum-seeker For RPRF purposes, the term “refugee” will also be taken to include Definition of “refugee” (below) asylum-seekers where and if appropriate. The term “asylum-seeker” is a general term for any person who is seeking international protection. In some countries, it is used as a legal term referring to a person who has applied for refugee status or a complementary international protection status and has not yet received a final decision on their claim. It can also refer to a person who has not yet submitted an application but may intend to do so, or may be in need of international protection. Not every asylum-seeker will ultimately be recognized as a refugee. However, an asylum-seeker may not be sent back to their country of origin until their asylum claim has been examined in a fair procedure and is entitled to certain minimum standards of treatment pending determination of their status.22 Child “Child” means every human being below the age of eighteen years unless, 4.1; 4.4.a under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier. The term includes adolescents and is preferable to the term “minor”.23 Civil registration “Civil registration” refers to the continuous, permanent, compulsory and 2.4 universal recording of the occurrence and characteristics of vital events pertaining to the population, as provided through decree or regulation in accordance with the legal requirements of each country.24 This process is carried out primarily for the purpose of establishing the documents provided for by law. Vital events concern the life, death and civil status of individuals, including live birth, death, fetal death, marriage, divorce, separation, annulment, adoption, legitimation, and recognition (of paternity).25 Financial services “Financial services” refers to formal services through which individuals save 3.4 money, borrow money, make payments, and manage financial risks. This includes ownership of accounts at banks or other types of financial institutions (such as a credit union, microfinance institution, or cooperative), access to formal loans or savings accounts with banks or other types of financial institutions, possession of credit, debit, or payment cards, access to money transfer services, and access to mobile money accounts or services.26 Gender “Gender” refers to the social, behavioral, and cultural attributes, expectations, Throughout and norms associated with being male or female. “Gender equality” refers to how these factors determine the way in which men and women relate to each other and to the resulting differences in power between them.27 22 S  ee UNHCR. Global Focus: Glossary, at “refugee” and “asylum-seeker”. 23 Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), Art. 1.  24 United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), Statistics Division. 2014. Principles and Recommendations for a  Vital Statistics System, Rev 3 (Statistical Papers, Series M No. 19/Rev.3). 25 World Bank. 2019. Identity for Development, Practitioner’s Guide.  26 See World Bank Group. 2017. The Global Findex Database 2017: Measuring Financial Inclusion and the Fintech Revolution.  27 World Bank Group. 2015. World Bank Group Gender Strategy (FY16-23): Gender Equality, Poverty Reduction and Inclusive Growth,  at pg. 6. 25 Term Definition Location in Questionnaire Gender-based “Gender-based violence” is an umbrella term for any harmful act that is 2.5.b; 4.4.a violence perpetrated against a person’s will and that is based on socially ascribed (that is, gender) differences between males and females. This includes acts that inflict physical, mental, or sexual harm or suffering; threats of such acts; and coercion and other deprivations of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life.28 Grievance redress “Grievance redress mechanisms” are defined as organizational systems and 2.5 mechanism resources established by national government agencies (or, as appropriate, by regional or municipal agencies) to receive and address concerns about the impact of their policies, programs and operations on external stakeholders.29 Healthcare services “Healthcare services” includes all preventive, promotive, rehabilitative, 4.2 palliative, and curative services provided by the publicly funded healthcare system. Host community “Host community” is a context-specific term which first corresponds to the Throughout definition of “host community” established by the government within official refugee policies and development strategies, where these exist. If no such definition is provided, “host community” is defined as a community, usually at a given administrative unit, whose socioeconomic circumstances have been impacted (positively and/or negatively) by an inflow of refugees. Immovable “Property” refers to anything that is owned or possessed by a person or 3.3.b property entity. “Immovable property” (also known as “real property”) is generally understood to include land, real estate, and anything attached to or embedded in earth that cannot be moved (e.g., a building).30 International “International protection” refers to the protection that is accorded by the General protection international community to individuals or groups who are outside their own country, who are unable to return because they would be at risk there, and whose own country is unable or unwilling to protect them. Risks that give rise to a need for international protection classically include those of persecution or other threats to life, freedom or physical integrity arising from armed conflict, serious public disorder, or different situations of violence. Other risks may stem from famine linked to situations of armed conflict or disasters, as well as being stateless. International refugee law provides the principal normative framework for determining needs and providing international protection, complemented by related legal frameworks such as international human rights law, as well as State practice. The concept of international refugee protection, which is closely associated with refugee protection and asylum, is related to but distinct from the broader concept of protection, which applies to all humanitarian action including outside refugee contexts.31 Law enforcement “Law enforcement procedures” refer to the procedures of the government 2.5.c procedures agencies responsible for maintaining public order and enforcing the law. This could encompass policing as well as restorative justice practices.32 28 Id. 29  UNDP. 2017. Stakeholder Engagement Supplemental Guidance: Grievance Redress Mechanisms. 30 UNHCR. Emergency Handbook, “Housing, Land and Property (HLP)”. See General Assembly. 1951. Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, 28 July 1951, United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 189, p. 137, at Article 13. 31 See UNHCR. Global Focus: Glossary, at “international protection”.  32  World Bank. 2016. Addressing the Enforcement Gap to Counter Crime: Part 2. Options for World Bank Engagement with Police. 26 Term Definition Location in Questionnaire Legal stay “Legal stay arrangements” are the arrangements put in place by states 2.2.a arrangements to regularize the presence on its territory of a non-national that fulfils the conditions of entry, stay or residence as established by domestic law in accordance with regional and international standards. See “secure legal status.” Liberal profession Liberal profession refers to any profession for which diplomas and other 3.2.e qualifications are required and can involve work that is organized and carried out independently, i.e. not governed by an employer-employee relationship. Liberal professions include, among others, lawyers, physicians, architects, engineers, and artists.33 Meaningful “Meaningful participation” refers to the full and equal engagement of all 2.3 participation members of the community in decision-making processes and activities that affect their lives, in both public and private spheres. It: • Is essential for informed decision making; • Promotes protection and reduces feelings of powerlessness; Enables the concerned authority to draw on the insights, knowledge, • capacities, skills and resources of persons of concern; Empowers women, men, girls and boys of different backgrounds to rebuild • self-esteem and self-confidence; Allows people to identify opportunities and strategies for action and build • solidarity to effect change; and • Helps people cope with the trauma of forced displacement. National public “National public services” are services which are provided by a government 4 services to people living within its jurisdiction through the public sector. For RPRF purposes, this includes education, health and social protection services. Nationals of a “Nationals of a foreign country”, “aliens” or non-nationals are often used 3.1, 3.3 foreign country interchangeably and refer to nationals of a State, or stateless persons, other than nationals of the State under whose jurisdiction they fall. Where the treatment of refugees equates to that of non-nationals in the same circumstances, “in the same circumstances” implies that refugees must fulfil any condition which other non-nationals would also need to meet. General requirements—such as specific qualifications, skills, experience or other characteristics as well as obtaining identity documents, work permits and business licences—may be imposed on refugees in the same way as they are on other non-nationals. Equally, States may impose charges or fees—e.g., to obtain permits—as are levied on other non-nationals or their own nationals in similar situations. However, conditions refugees are incapable of fulfilling by reason of being a refugee need to be waived in their case (for example, refugees being unable to present evidence of identity, or other documents from their country of origin). 33 ILO decent work guidelines.  27 Term Definition Location in Questionnaire Official personal “Official personal identification” is a synonym for “official identity” 2.4 identification/Proof and refers to the specification of a unique natural person that is based on of legal identity characteristics (attributes or identifiers) of the person that establish a person’s uniqueness in a given context, and is recognized by the state for regulatory and other official purposes.34 For RPRF purposes, “proof of legal identity” refers to various forms of government-provided or -issued registration, documentation or certification (e.g., a birth certificate, identity card or digital ID credential) that constitutes evidence of core attributes (e.g., name, date and place of birth) for establishing and verifying official identity and is recognized as proof of legal identity under national law and in accordance with emerging international norms and principles.35 In some countries, proof of official identity is provided through general- purpose or “foundational” ID systems, such as national ID and civil registration systems, which typically provide documentary or digital credentials that are widely recognized and accepted by government agencies and private sector service providers as proof of official identity for a variety of purposes. Many jurisdictions also have a variety of “limited-purpose” or “functional” ID systems that provide identification, authentication, and authorization for specific services or sectors; access to specific government benefits and services; or access to financial services. Examples of limited-purpose ID evidence include refugee identity documents. In some cases—particularly in countries without general-purpose ID systems—such “functional” credentials may also be used to provide proof of official identity. In the case of refugees, States are primarily responsible for issuing proof of legal identity, including identity papers. The issuance of proof of legal identity to refugees may also be administered by an internationally recognized and mandated authority” (e.g., UNHCR). Preparedness plan “Preparedness plan” refers to all measures which show the current readiness 1.4 of the public sector to respond to future displacement situations or its plans to mitigate the negative impact of ongoing protracted displacement situation.37 Refoulement “Refoulement” is a legal term used to qualify a breach of the principle of 2.2.b non-refoulement. The principle of non-refoulement is a core principle of international human rights and refugee law that prohibits States from removing individuals in any manner whatsoever (whether directly or indirectly) to territories where they may be at risk of persecution, torture, or other forms of serious or irreparable harm. The most prominent expression of the principle of non-refoulement in international refugee law is Article 33(1) of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. The principle is part of customary international law, making it binding on all States, whether or not they are parties to the 1951 Convention or its 1967 Protocol. The principle of non-refoulement is also expressed in various human rights treaties, including Article 3 of the Convention against Torture, which is a peremptory norm of international law (jus cogens).38 34 S  ee World Bank. 2019. ID4D Practitioner’s Guide, “ID 101: Basic concepts.” Washington, DC: World Bank. See Financial Action Task Force (FATF). March 2020. Guidance: Digital Identity. 35 Id. 36 United Nations. 2019. UN Legal Identity Expert Group Operational Definition of Legal Identity. This working definition was signed off by  the Director of UNHCR’s Division of International Protection (DIP). 37  See notably World Bank. 2017. Forcibly Displaced: Toward a Development Approach Supporting Refugees, the Internally Displaced, and Their Hosts. Washington, DC: World Bank. 38 See UNHCR. Global Focus: Glossary, at “non-refoulement” and “refoulement”.  28 Term Definition Location in Questionnaire Refugee The term “refugee” refers to any person who meets the eligibility criteria Throughout under an applicable refugee definition, as provided for in international or regional refugee instruments, under UNHCR’s mandate, or in national legislation. Under international law and UNHCR’s mandate, refugees are persons outside their countries of origin who are in need of international protection because of feared persecution, or a serious threat to their life, physical integrity or freedom in their country of origin as a result of persecution, armed conflict, violence or serious public disorder.39 The Bank follows determinations made by UNHCR of which persons are recognized as refugees in a given population. For the purposes of the WHR and the RPRF, the term “refugees” includes both refugees and people in “refugee-like situations” as defined by UNHCR (see below). For RPRF purposes, the term “refugee” will also be taken to include asylum-seekers where and if appropriate (see definition of “asylum-seeker” above).40 Refugee-hosting ‘’Refugee-hosting areas” are the given administrative units where refugees 1.1; 1.2.a; 1.3; 2.5.b areas are staying and reside, and which include both refugee and host communities. Refugee-like “Refugee-like situation” is a descriptive—not legal—category describing Definition of “refugee” (above) situations groups of people who are outside their country or territory of origin and who face protection risks similar to those of refugees, but for whom refugee status has, for practical or other reasons, not been ascertained.41 Refugee population numbers as determined by UNHCR include persons in “refugee-like situations.” Refugee policy “Refugee policy” refers to formal legal and administrative instruments Throughout (including laws, regulations, proclamations, judicial and administrative decisions, national strategies, development or sectoral plans, roadmaps, and other written materials) issued by a national authority (legislative, judiciary or executive branch), including agreements or memoranda of understanding with international organizations, that regulate refugees’ admission to the country, their acquisition of legal status and legal rights, and the conditions under which they live and work. In exceptional cases, practice or unwritten policy can be included when such practice is very broadly and publicly known and is considered binding by all concerned. Refugee Status “Refugee status determination,” or “RSD,” refers to the legal or 2.1.b Determination administrative process undertaken by States and/or UNHCR to determine whether a person should be recognized as a refugee in accordance with national, regional and international law.42 39  he 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees defines a refugee as a person “who is outside his or her country of nationality T or habitual residence; has a well-founded fear of being persecuted because of his or her race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion; and is unable or unwilling to avail him- or herself of the protection of that country, or to return there, for fear of persecution.” 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (1951), at Art. 1. See also World Bank Group, Forced Displacement and Development (2016), at Box 1. In Africa, the 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa adds to the 1951 Convention definition by recognizing as refugees people who are forced to flee due to “external aggression, occupation, foreign domination or events seriously disturbing public order.” Organization of African Unity (OAU), Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa (1969), at Art. 1(2). 40 International Development Association, Implementation Guidelines: IDA19 Window for Host Communities and Refugees (2020),  at para. 2(a). 41 UNHCR. 2020. Global Trends: Forced Displacement in 2019.  42 See UNHCR. Global Focus: Glossary, at “refugee status determination”. 29 Term Definition Location in Questionnaire Secure legal status “Secure legal status” for refugees refers to an officially documented status General for refugees provided under a State’s domestic legal framework regularizing in accordance with regional and international standards (1) an asylum-seeker’s right to remain in the country until a final determination of their claim is made; and (2) a recognized refugee’s right to reside in that State during the period of validity of the permit. The granting and withdrawing of such status must be in accordance with international standards, including due process. Security “Security” refers to a refugee’s physical and psychological safety from threats 2.5 and attacks of myriad sources. Social cohesion “Social cohesion” refers to the ties which hold people together within and 1.2 between communities and the willingness of community members to engage and cooperate with each other to survive and prosper.43 This can include the degree to which they interact with and trust State and civil society institutions and each other; the degree to which they are committed to laws, institutions and a common future; the degree to which they share common cultural, religious or other social features and interests; and/or the degree to which they are able to identify, prevent and mitigate social tensions and risks of violence, minimize disparities and avoid discrimination and marginalization.44 For RPRF purposes, the key is to understand how forced displacement changes existing social balances and how these changes are managed to prevent social tensions and conflict from resulting in violent repercussions or harmful social marginalization.45 Social protection “Social protection” refers to public systems which help individuals, households 1.1.b; 4.3 and communities manage risk and volatility and protect them from poverty and destitution through a mix of contributory schemes (social insurance) and non-contributory tax-financed benefits (including social assistance, public works programs and other schemes guaranteeing basic income security and access to essential services).46 This includes helping the poor and vulnerable cope with crises and shocks, find jobs, invest in the health and education of their children, and protect the aging population.47 Social Protection systems may take the form of cash transfers, social pensions, subsidies, sickness, disability or old age benefits and medical care, unemployment assistance and insurance, training or labor services, maternity protection, childcare and child allowances, conditional and disability assistance and insurance, and other social services.48 For RPRF purposes, the term “social protection” is used with a wider variety of meanings than “social security”, including protection provided between members of the family or members of a local community. 43  orld Bank Group. 2020. Social Capital and Social Cohesion Measurement Toolkit, at pg. 4. W 44  See UNHCR. Global Focus: Glossary, at “social cohesion.” 45 De Berry and Roberts. 2018. Social Cohesion and Forced Displacement: A Desk Review to Inform Programming and Project Design.  World Bank Group. 46 World Bank Group. 2012. Resilience, Equity and Opportunity: The World Bank’s Social Protection and Labor Strategy, 2012-2022,  at para. 17; This aligns with the International Labour Organization ‘s (ILO) definition and is affirmed in UNHCR’s Decent Work Guidelines. 47 World Bank Group. 2019. The World Bank In Social Protection.  48 World Bank Group. 2020. Sourcebook on the Foundations of Social Protection Delivery Systems, at pg. 2.  30 Term Definition Location in Questionnaire Social safety net “Social safety net” refers to a type of social protection program that is 1.1.b comprised of non-contributory transfers in cash or in-kind, designed to provide regular and predictable support to poor and vulnerable people. Social safety nets, which are also known as “social assistance” or “social transfers,” help alleviate poverty, food insecurity, and malnutrition; contribute to reducing inequality and boosting shared prosperity; support households in managing risks and cope with shocks; help build human capital and connect people to job opportunities; and are an important factor in shaping social contracts between states and citizens.49 Unlawful “Unlawful termination of refugee status” refers to the ending, withdrawing 2.2.b termination of or termination of refugee status in any manner that does not conform with refugee status international law. Under international law, cessation, revocation or cancellation of refugee status are the legal grounds for ending refugee status. Cessation refers to the ending of refugee status because it is no longer necessary or justified on the basis of certain voluntary acts of the individual concerned or a fundamental change in the situation prevailing in the country of origin.50 Revocation refers to the withdrawal of refugee status from a person who was rightly recognized as a refugee, but whose conduct after recognition comes within the scope of the exclusion clauses 1F(a) or (c) of the 1951 Convention. Cancellation refers to the invalidation of a refugee status recognition which should not have been granted in the first place. Cancellation has the effect of rendering refugee status null and void from the date of the initial determination (ab initio or ex nunc—from the start or from then).51 Vulnerability “Vulnerability” describes individuals or groups who, by virtue of certain 4.1.b; 4.3; 4.4 characteristics or experiences, have the limited capacity to avoid, resist, cope with, or recover from harm. Such harm can take a variety of forms such as economic hardship, discrimination, or violence. Among the groups most susceptible to harm in the context of forced displacement are children, the elderly, women and girls, persons with disabilities, ethnic or religious minorities, persons of diverse sex and sexual orientation, victims of trafficking in persons, and survivors of gender-based violence.52 Wage-earning “Wage-earning employment” refers to work governed by an employment 3.2.a employment relationship between employer and employee, and for the performance of which the employee is provided a periodic wage or remuneration.53 49 W  orld Bank. 2014. The State of Social Safety Nets 2014. 50 See 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (1951), Article 1C and Organization of African Unity (OAU), Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa (1969), at Article I(4). 51  See UNHCR. Global Focus: Glossary, at “cessation”, “revocation” and “cancellation”. 52 See UNHCR. Global Focus: Glossary, at “vulnerability”.  53 UNHCR. Decent Work Guidelines.  31