Sector Project Displacement

Context

By mid-2024, more than 120 million people were displaced worldwide. They were forced from their homes due to war, conflict or persecution. Most displaced people remain in their own country as internally displaced persons or seek protection in neighbouring countries.

Host countries are taking in many people but are facing enormous challenges.There are often no laws that protect displaced people, housing and jobs are in short supply and schools are unable to accommodate all the children.

The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has created a unique instrument to help provide a targeted and swift response. The Special Initiative on Displaced Persons and Host Countries supports displaced people and host communities worldwide. Issues such as social protection, employment, education and psychosocial support play an important role here – as do climate, gender justice, the participation of displaced people and peacebuilding.

Objective

BMZ’s approach to supporting long-term development in displacement settings has been strengthened in national and international policy-making.

Approach

The project advises the BMZ division for displacement. The aim is to improve German development cooperation on displacement and to boost international visibility. Key frameworks in this context are the Global Compact on Refugees and the Global Refugee Forum.

The advisory services focus on topics such as employment, gender equality, social protection, education and mental health. The project also promotes cooperation with important partners such as the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and supports BMZ in the continued development of the special initiative and in demonstrating its impact. In addition, the project manages the secretariat of the Action Network on Forced Displacement, a global network of displaced women.

Last update: February 2025