Economic and social participation of vulnerable displaced and local population in the South Caucasus – EPIC

Context

Territorial conflicts in the South Caucasus have caused the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people in the region. Due to uprooting, poor housing, unfinished education, few employment opportunities and lack of access to basic services, a large number of displaced persons live in poverty with no opportunities for economic and social participation.

In the South Caucasus, dealing with displaced persons is a highly sensitive issue, both within the countries and in their external relations. Women are particularly affected by displacement, unemployment and social exclusion and face manifold limitations due to traditional gender norms.

Objective

The economic and social participation of displaced persons and the local population in the South Caucasus has improved.

Approach

The project addresses challenges of displaced persons, offers needs-based approaches and aims to improve the economic and social participation of vulnerable displaced and local population, especially women. It operates in five intervention fields:

• improving the capacities of state institutions and civil society organisations so they can provide improved services directed at the economic and social participation of vulnerable displaced and local population
• increasing business opportunities and employability
• creating economic perspectives specifically for women
• promoting social inclusion and positive changes in communities
• promoting dialogue among and between state institutions, non-state actors and vulnerable population

Last update: August 2023