In September 2016, the UN General Assembly convened a high-level summit on large movements of refugees and migrants. This summit, the first at the Heads of State and Government level, aimed to create a stronger international response to the global refugee crisis.

Currently, over 100 million people face prolonged displacement after fleeing violence in their homelands. The summit highlighted numerous issues, focusing particularly on the responsibility of host countries to protect, assist, and resettle refugees.

Challenges in Refugee Resettlement

Refugee resettlement remains a significant global challenge. The process of integrating diverse groups into new cultures is often slow and arduous. However, diaspora groups and NGOs are increasingly recognized for their contributions to alleviating these challenges. These organizations not only influence development outcomes in their regions of origin but also support refugees in multifaceted ways in host countries. They provide essential services such as legal aid, education, psychological support, and cultural guidance.

Diaspora Contributions to Refugee Resettlement

Existing diaspora communities often serve as a critical support network for newly arrived refugees. However, as one participant noted, diaspora communities are not homogeneous. Their fluid nature underscores the importance of organizations that define “home” for the community. For example, the Syrian Community Network connects refugees to local Syrian communities in Chicago, San Francisco, and Phoenix, helping them integrate while introducing them to American traditions. In contrast, the Bhutanese Community of New Hampshire focuses on fostering a supportive environment for refugees who cannot return to their home country.

These organizations also play a vital role in activism, engaging with both home and host governments. For instance, refugees from war-torn countries may advocate for peace or, in some cases, support factions involved in the conflict. A participant highlighted concerns about the assimilation process in the U.S., where refugees may feel pressured to avoid discussing their host country’s issues to appear more American. To address these gaps, the Refugee Congress provides resources for refugees to advocate for pertinent issues both domestically and internationally.

Addressing Protection, Education, and Employment

Refugees often face challenges accessing their rights and resources. Diaspora organizations engage in lobbying, advocacy, and education to bridge these gaps. For example, EMBARC, an Iowa-based nonprofit, offers programs for refugee students and parents, focusing on education and employment training. Their efforts empower refugees to secure their safety and rights in their new communities.

Maintaining Ties to Countries of Origin

Maintaining connections with their home countries is essential for many refugees. Dual citizenship is one way to preserve these ties, though it can be controversial. For example, Ethiopia has historically restricted dual citizenship for its fleeing populations, while Bosnia and Herzegovina allowed it to retain a large segment of its diaspora after the war.

Diaspora remittances—money sent by refugees to their home countries—also play a crucial role in maintaining relationships. Governments can further support diaspora efforts by fostering cultural, political, and economic connections. Countries like China, India, and Eritrea exemplify strong ties with their diaspora populations.

Tactics Shared                                                                                     

• Syrian Community Network helps recently arrived refugees settle in their community
• Vietnamese Association of Illinois
• Iraqi Mutual Aid Society               
• Bhutanese Community of New Hampshire
• The Refugee Congress provides refugees an advocacy and advisory organization to champion domestic and international refugee issues
• AmeriCorps RefugeeRISE connects refugees with community members to help each other achieve educational and professional goals
• The Southeast Asia Resource Center empowers diaspora communities through advocacy, leadership development, and capacity building

Resources

• Syrian Community Network
• Bhutanese Community of New Hampshire
• Fransen, S. & Siegel, M., 2016. Diaspora Engagement Policies after Conflict: Burundi and Rwanda.. In: D. J. Besharov & M. H. Lopez, eds. Adjusting to a World in Motion: Trends in Global Migration and Migration Policy. New York: Oxford University Press, pp. 373-389.
• Mohamoud, A. A., 2006. African Diaspora and Post-Conflict: Reconstruction in Africa, Copenhagen: DANISH INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES.
• Turner, M., 2008. Three Discourses on Diaspora and Peacebuilding. In: M. Pugh, N. Cooper & M. Turner, eds. Whose Peace? Critical Perspectives on the Political Economy of Peacebuilding. s.l.:PALGRAVE MACMILLAN, pp. 173-190.
• Refugee Congress
• Newland, K. & Patrick, E., 2004. Beyond Remittances: The Role of Diaspora in Poverty Reduction in their Countries of Origin, Washington: Migration Policy Institute.
• Agunias, D. R. & Newland, K., 2012. Developing a Road Map for Engaging Diasporas in Development: A Handbook for Policymakers and Practitioners in Home and Host Countries. Switzerland and Washington: International Organization for Migration and Migration Policy Institute
• Tulsa Gautam on TEDTalks
• Refugee Diasporas, Remittances, Development, and Conflict
• USAID, 2015. Bosnia-Herzegovina: Diaspora Engagement: Alliance for Agribusiness Development Fact Sheet, s.l.: USAID.
• Nicholas, V. H. & Robin, C., 2015. Diasporas and conflict. Working Paper No. 122: Centre on Migration, Policy and Society, University of Oxford.
• The Southeast Asia Resource Center
• Refugee Council USA member statements on the 2016 Presidential Election Results