Refugees help rebuild their home countries

Refugees and migrant diasporas are increasingly recognised as agents of change in relation to development of their home countries. A new DIIS report examining Afghan and Somali diaspora groups in Denmark find that both groups send considerable shares of their income to help family members survive during conflict and sustain communities in crisis, both in countries of origin and refugee settlements in the region and neighbouring areas.

In 2014 the estimated diaspora contribution to developing countries tripled official development assistance by reaching 436 billion dollars according to the World Bank. The report shows how, under the right circumstances and supported in the right way, diasporas may be important new partners for development cooperation and humanitarian relief.

Based on a literature review, and interviews with representatives of diaspora associations, academic experts, ministry representatives and involved practitioners the report finds that diaspora associations have a comparative advantage of language and knowledge of local conditions when engaging in development projects. At the same time, however, diaspora associations face institutional barriers in this endeavor of development and relief engagement.

The administrative work required by grant regulations clashes with the fact that projects are expected to be carried out by volunteers. Institutional barriers also arise when diaspora associations see their work on integration in Denmark, such as anti-radicalisation strategies - and development work in their countries of origin as closely related but different funding structures insist on their separation. The clear-cut distinction between inclusion activities in the Danish society and homeland development reflects a lack of policy coherence that may limit or hamper development contributions from diaspora associations, and loses the unique potential for embracing integration and development efforts within the same projects.

The report has been commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of the ‘Tendencies in Development Policies’ grant. The aim of the grant is to conduct and communicate interdisciplinary research on issues which are central for Danish development politics and development aid.