New study outlines opportunities to integrate migrants and refugees into Brazil's green economy

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the UN Environment Program (UNEP) and the consultancy firm Mandalah launched the study "Green jobs: integration of refugees and migrants in the Brazilian green economy."

The publication outlines possible paths for green entrepreneurship in Brazil and presents 15 practical actions to promote employability of refugees and migrants, while contributing to sustainable business development.

The study was launched during a webinar with representatives of the Brazilian Ministry of Citizenship, the Operação Acolhida (Welcome Operation) -the Brazilian government's humanitarian response to the flow of Venezuelan migrants-, and the private sector.

The analysis provides a comprehensive view of the main sectors of the national green economy, and shows how refugees and migrants can actively participate in a post-COVID-19 sustainable recovery process.

Since mid-2017, Brazil has received an intense flow of refugees and migrants from Venezuela through its northern border. The Federal Government estimates that around 260,000 Venezuelans live in Brazil and half of them request the recognition of the refugee status. The National Committee for Refugees (CONARE) has already granted this status to more than 46,000 Venezuelans.

According to CONARE, 50,000 refugees from 55 different countries live in Brazil. The migrant population in the country is estimated at around 800,000 people.

Download the publication in Portuguese and English.