Refugees and Migration

The largest refugee crisis since World War II requires decisionmakers to address the immediate life-saving needs of the millions of individuals fleeing Syria, but also broader issues including education and security. RAND experts help answer the difficult questions: How will hundreds of thousands of refugee children receive an education? How can the international community better support host countries that are absorbing the majority of the region’s refugees? How can international and regional NGO's improve their support for refugees in urban areas?

Featured Video

Jun 7, 2017
Preventing a Syrian Lost Generation: RAND's Work on Refugees
To help shape policy that will improve the lives of refugees over the longer term, RAND focuses its work on the greatest challenges related to the crisis: humanitarian assistance, education, jobs, and regional and global security.

Our Work

Commentary
Syrian Refugees Won't Be Going Home Any Time Soon
Apr 19, 2019
Culbertson @SC_Culbertson
Active fighting in Syria is dwindling. But Syria remains divided in a frozen conflict and empty peace, unstable and unlikely to attract the investment in reconstruction, public institutions, job creation, and local reconciliation efforts needed to motivate Syrians in large numbers to return home.
Commentary
Syrian Skills: A Missed Opportunity
Feb 14, 2019
Nataraj @ShanthiNataraj, et al.
Syrian refugees in Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon are finding ways to get by. But many refugees are not able to fully use their skills, and that is a lost opportunity both for the Syrians and the host countries.
Commentary
As Refugees, Syrian Women Find Liberation in Working
Feb 19, 2019
Constant, et al.
Syrian refugee women in Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan want opportunities to work. But there are multiple barriers and challenges that limit them. Improving the chances of safe and dignified work opportunities for Syrian women in these countries could yield broad positive social benefits for both the refugee and host communities.
Commentary
For One Syrian Refugee, the Research Strikes Close to Home
Dec 22, 2018
Afashe
Fadia Afashe came to the United States to study public policy in 2011, with every intention of eventually going home to Syria. But when her fellowship ended a year later, the possibility of returning home had vanished. She became a refugee success story, but a path for others is needed.
Journal Article
Challenges to the Integration of Syrian Refugees
Dec 18, 2018
Amaral, et al.
The successful resettlement of Syrian refugees is dependent on political commitment coupled with public support and community engagement. Social and economic policies to address the crisis require a combined effort in planning, implementing, monitoring, and assessing initiatives, and sharing data with stakeholders.
Report
Syrian Refugees Can Add Value to Middle Eastern Labor Markets
Dec 13, 2018
Kumar @kbkumar_, et al.
Over 5 million Syrian refugees entered Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan due to the civil war. This has placed a severe strain on the host countries' labor markets, public services, and social cohesion. The future prosperity and stability of the region rests on creating mutually beneficial economic opportunities for Syrian refugees and host-country workers.