Supporting displaced persons and host communities in Northern Mozambique

Context

Violent conflicts are forcing people in Mozambique’s most northerly province, Cabo Delgado, to flee. At the start of 2024, more than half a million internally displaced people (IDPs) were recorded in the region, 85 per cent of them women and children.

The conflict has curtailed freedom of movement, as well as access to land, economic markets and jobs. More than 90 per cent of the displaced families have no income. IDPs are also at particular risk of gender-based violence.

The capabilities of government institutions are insufficient to identify the needs of IDPs and host communities, especially women and young people, and to address them at local level with national and international organisations.

Objective

The living situation of displaced people and members of host communities, especially women and young people, is improved over the long term in selected communities in the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula.

Approach

Together with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the project works to:

(1) Enhance the capacities of government representatives to improve coordination of humanitarian and development measures in northern Mozambique, for example by supporting implementing coordination forums and improving communication with decision-makers.

(2) Expand access to training, internships, advisory services and job placement for IDPs and members of host communities, which boosts their economic capabilities, particularly in the case of women and young people.

(3) Support the peaceful coexistence of IDPs and host communities, for example by organising dialogues, introducing local conflict prevention and mediation mechanisms, and implementing joint activities to promote social cohesion.

Last update: March 2025