Sustainability in Refugee Camps: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Many studies have stated the results of interventions presented in refugee camps to improve the quality of refugees’ lives and reduce their suffering. However, there has been no formal systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the evidence of the relative effectiveness of these interventions along with sustainability and the current 2030 Agenda. We developed a comprehensive search strategy designed to identify all peer-reviewed articles that presented interventions related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a refugee camp setting. We examined only articles with a specific focus on development goals. We screened the titles and, where necessary, the abstracts of 1108 publications. Seventy-two studies were judged to contain relevant evidence and were reviewed in detail. Data were extracted from these studies and pooled by meta-analysis to provide summary estimates of the effectiveness of existing procedures. Health and education sectors were the most frequently discussed SDGs. Results and recommendations from included studies were categorized into seven sectors: planning, development, and shelters; health and well-being; education; water and sanitation; energy; work and economic growth; and others. In order to improve the quality of life of refugees and internally displaced persons living in camps, more research that addresses both SDGs and camp planning and management is needed. This study is the first review found in the literature to report on sustainability in refugee camps.

Mother, child and adolescent health outcomes in two long-term refugee camp settings at the Thai-Myanmar border 2000–2018: a retrospective analysis

“…It is well documented that people affected by conflict are more likely to die or fall ill and contribute to a certain extent to the SDGs indicators while refugee camps, in its artificial environment, were never intended to provide permanent or sustainable solutions (d'Harcourt et al, 2017). Yet this is increasingly becoming the case, and these camps are becoming insolvent (Wardeh and Marques, 2021).…”

“…This would be considered a limitation of the programme and an area for improvement with the potential to impact maternal mortality, adolescence health and reduction of abortions. Lack of political will and cultural adaptation has been a major barrier to other studies (Wardeh and Marques, 2021 ). Health expenditure for MCAH requires further exploration as little is known on costs for these programmes.…”

“…, 2017 ). Yet this is increasingly becoming the case, and these camps are becoming insolvent (Wardeh and Marques, 2021 ).…”

Transitional Typologies of Refugee Camps in Jordan

“…• Deforestation and land degradation: high demand for firewood and construction materials in refugee camps contributes to deforestation, habitat loss, and soil erosion. Unsustainable land management practices, such as overgrazing and soil compaction, degrade natural ecosystems and reduce biodiversity, undermining the ecological resilience of host environments [43].…”

Refugee settlements are highly exposed to extreme weather conditions

“…The perception of refugee settlements as temporary solutions to humanitarian crises also affects infrastructure and design. Refugee settlements are rarely based on sustainability principles that enhance the resilience and adaptive capacity of refugees ( 12 , 13 ) and often do not contain adequate and protective accommodation ( 14 ). This makes camp-based refugees highly susceptible to extreme weather events.…”