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Alexander Betts discusses the Humanitarian Innovation Project in IRIN article on refugees' potential for innovation

Analysis: Refugees aim for self-reliance, not hand-outs

JOHANNESBURG, 6 February 2013 (IRIN) - On the streets of inner-city Johannesburg, refugees and asylum-seekers are participants in a thriving informal economy, plying their trade as tailors, barbers and street vendors.

South Africa’s laissez-faire policy towards its refugee population means they have little choice but to fall back on their own skills and creativity to survive. And despite the many challenges they face - from xenophobic locals and corrupt officials to limited access to social and financial services - many succeed.

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