JOINING FORCES
THE UNITED NATIONS CURRENTLY ESTIMATES THAT 280 MILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE HAVE LEFT THEIR HOMES, SOME 220 MILLION OF THEM IN SEARCH OF A BETTER LIFE AND IMPROVED PROSPECTS FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN. THEY ARE DEFINED AS INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS. AT THE END OF 2016, HOWEVER, THERE WERE OVER 65 MILLION FORCIBLY DISPLACED PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD. TWO THIRDS OF THEM REMAINED WITHIN THEIR HOME COUNTRY, MAKING THEM INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS). MORE THAN 21 MILLION PEOPLE SOUGHT SANCTUARY AS REFUGEES IN OTHER COUNTRIES.
All of these 65 million people left their homes either as a result of war or violence, or because they were being persecuted for religious or political reasons, or due to their sexual identity. This poses a challenge for the communities that host them in their home countries and abroad. There is a lack of money, expertise, infrastructure and jobs needed to provide those who have been displaced with protection, security and prospects.
100 PROJECTS IN THE AREA OF DISPLACEMENT AND MIGRATION AROUND THE GLOBE
The situation is difficult for everyone involved. To get on top of it, the relevant players must join forces and implement long-term measures as well as those that deliver rapid results. On behalf of the German Government, the European Union (EU) and other international clients, GIZ is actively engaged in over 100 projects around the globe that focus on displacement and migration.
Short-term cash-for-work programmes provide immediate income for many refugees who are unable to find employment on the local labour market. Other programmes support host communities in creating a solid foundation for coexistence, or provide protection against people smugglers and human traffickers. GIZ also operates in the regions of origin. To enable people to stay where they are, the development community needs to prevent crises and conflicts, and create jobs and income where they are needed most – at home.
EDUCATION CREATES PROSPECTS
Migration can also be a win-win-win situation for the people concerned, for the host country and for the migrant’s country of origin. This is why GIZ is also using various training programmes to highlight legal (labour) migration paths. By doing so, GIZ is offering lasting prospects to young migrants in particular. As qualified experts on the labour market in Germany – and in their home country if they decide to return.
