Azerbaijan - Building Assets and Promoting Self Reliance : The Livelihoods of Internally Displaced Persons

Government of Azerbaijan (GoA) and the World Bank have a long history of partnership in addressing the needs of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the country. The purpose of this study was to start identifying gaps and areas for further engagement. The report would not have been possible without the support of GoA counterparts. The report pursues the argument that in order to expand the choice of IDP livelihoods it is possible to build upon and extend economic activities in which they are already involved and which are currently unprofitable. Indeed, the report shows that many IDPs do seek to supplement their household incomes through a range of strategies but, due to a series of constraints, these strategies neither provide a viable employment source nor bring in substantial incomes. The report concludes that, two decades after their forced displacement, the IDPs' economic and social development still lagged behind that of the rest of the non-displaced population, and they needed continued support. Therefore, targeted investments by the GoA to support IDPs are justified and are still required to address their specific vulnerabilities.