Refugees and Other Forcibly Displaced Populations

The literature on forced displacement highlights that no single solution is universally applicable. Policies must be tailored to the specific resources, institutional capacities, and cultural contexts of both host populations and forcibly displaced individuals. Countries such as Colombia and Uganda have adopted inclusive models that empower refugees through rights to work and access to services, showcasing the potential for transformative outcomes. Similarly, Kenya and Ethiopia are moving toward development-oriented approaches. In contrast, nations like Jordan have opted for more cautious, gradual strategies, balancing short-term needs with long-term stability. Despite these differences, several common lessons emerge from the evidence:

1. Humanitarian Aid as a Bridge to Self-Reliance: Immediate humanitarian aid is critical for addressing the urgent needs of forcibly displaced populations, yet its effectiveness is limited without pathways toward medium- and long-term self-sufficiency. Programmes that integrate cash transfers with opportunities for education, skills training, and labour market access can help displaced individuals rebuild their lives while contributing to host economies. For example, models in Uganda and Colombia demonstrate how combining humanitarian assistance with rights-based policies can reduce dependency and foster resilience.
2. Inclusive Models to Prevent Social Friction: Policies that exclude host communities from the benefits of aid risk fostering resentment and eroding social cohesion. Evidence suggests that integrating support for refugees with parallel investments in host communities—such as shared infrastructure or joint economic opportunities—can mitigate tensions and enhance trust. Programmes that explicitly include both groups, such as those linking aid to broader development goals in Uganda and Lebanon, have been particularly successful in reducing hostility and promoting cooperation.
3. Addressing Mental Health: Mental health challenges are among the most pressing issues faced by forcibly displaced populations. These challenges—stemming from traumatic experiences and compounded by the stresses of displacement—not only impair individual well-being but also hinder successful integration into host societies. Promising interventions, such as mental health support programmes for parents, highlight the potential importance of holistic approaches that address the emotional and psychological needs of displaced individuals and their families.
4. Combating Discrimination: Discrimination is another critical barrier that prevents effective integration. Forcibly displaced populations often face biases and exclusion, which limit their access to opportunities and resources. By combating discrimination through public awareness campaigns, the implementation of inclusive policies, and the promotion of perspective taking or positive intergroup contact, more welcoming environments can be fostered. 

Although research on forced displacement is expanding rapidly, several critical areas would benefit from further investigation. One such area is the impact of displacement on origin communities, where initial evidence points to severe developmental consequences, including disrupted economies, weakened social cohesion, and political instability. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for mitigating long-term harm and fostering recovery in affected regions. Equally important is addressing the unique vulnerabilities of displaced children, whose education, mental health, and development are often jeopardised by displacement. Developing targeted strategies to protect their well-being and prevent the emergence of a "lost generation" is essential for building resilience among forced migrant populations. Furthermore, there is a pressing need for more research on the effectiveness of programming for IDPs and returned migrants, as evidence in these areas remains limited.

Gender-sensitive approaches also warrant greater attention, particularly to address the unique challenges faced by displaced women and girls, such as heightened risks of violence and systemic barriers to accessing essential resources. Tailored interventions are necessary to ensure these groups receive adequate support. Moreover, innovative combinations of labour market integration, mental health interventions, and social cohesion programmes hold significant promise. Further research to test, refine, and scale these integrated approaches across diverse contexts could provide effective, scalable solutions. By advancing these areas, future research can inform policies that are adaptive, inclusive, and better equipped to address the complex and multifaceted challenges of forced displacement.