Displacement and migration in the context of governance and peacebuilding

Displacement and migration pose challenges to policymakers, society and the economy. However, migration can also be an opportunity for development.

  
People flee their home country for a wide range of reasons, including war, violence, persecution for political or religious reasons, and better employment and training opportunities.

Displacement and migration represent major challenges - for the individuals affected, their countries of origin and the host countries. GIZ’s work around the world helps tackle these challenges and create long-term prospects for people.

Migration can also have a positive impact on development. Through its work, GIZ seeks to maximise these opportunities.

In refugee aid, GIZ takes an integrated approach:

Empowering refugees and displaced people

People who leave their homes not only lose all their possessions, many are also traumatised as a result of the violence they have experienced. To help displaced people and refugees to deal with such cases of trauma, even under hostile conditions, and to determine their own lives, GIZ provides them with psychosocial support.

Supporting host communities

GIZ supports communities that host refugees, as they face the challenge of having to provide large numbers of additional residents with accommodation, food, and services. The new arrivals and the local population are addressed equally as the target group.

Supporting returnees

GIZ helps returnees to reintegrate economically, socially and politically. Its measures address not only the returnees themselves, but also those living in their home countries. Returnees should have the opportunity to participate in all areas of life and to build a future. This is what GIZ understands by ‘sustainable return’.

Advice to policy makers

Migration and displacement require political responses and a reliable framework. GIZ supports governments, institutions and local authorities in developing a statutory, political and social framework for integrating migrants, protecting refugees and offering asylum. In so doing, GIZ makes sure it does not exacerbate existing conflicts.

GIZ’s policy advice is based on human rights and on the principle of gender equality. It strengthens the rights of those affected and places the obligations of the states involved in the foreground: countries of origin, transit and destination are all urged to treat migrants and refugees with respect, to protect them and to uphold their rights. These obligations derive from international human rights conventions and the Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.