IDPs who have achieved a durable solution are able to fulfil their basic socio-economic needs on an equal basis with the non-displaced population. This entails access to employment and income sources more generally, including productive assets and financial services.

Beyond this, access to livelihoods is a relative measure. Reintegration often occurs in circumstances of fragile economies and high unemployment affecting the entire population, including IDPs. It will not always be possible for all IDPs to gain employment or regain their previous livelihoods. However, IDPs must not face obstacles that prevent them from accessing employment and livelihoods on the same basis as residents (e.g. where IDPs are relocated to a remote area without affordable transportation to local labour markets).

Macro-level information such as legal or administrative obstacles to accessing employment and livelihoods, or analysis of the labour market in order to better understand the suitability of IDPs’ skills, should be included in the analysis.