Emerging practices to improve access to and working conditions on digital labour platforms for refugees and host communities
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)What is it?
Earning a living is one of the most effective ways for forcibly displaced people to provide for their families and rebuild their lives. Refugees, other displaced people and host communities can benefit from the digital labour platforms to access decent work. However, platforms have also received criticism for excluding displaced people, job insecurity and not providing decent work, especially for women, disabled people and others.
HIGHLIGHTS
The International Labour Organization (ILO), UNDP, and UNHCR's guide Decent and Inclusive Work for Forcibly Displaced Persons and Host Communities highlights best practices for ensuring online platform work is viable and decent for refugees and host communities. These practices include inclusive recruitment, contracts, minimum pay, and training, which help displaced individuals and hosts secure sustainable livelihoods while benefiting platforms.
The guide also provides recommendations for governments to adapt national regulations to the rise of platform work. Key improvements include flexible employment classifications, access to global financial services, minimum wage standards, social protection, and collective bargaining rights. These measures aim to create fairer opportunities and better working conditions for forcibly displaced populations while fostering economic inclusion.