English

International sanctions placed on a conflict-affected State limit the ability of aid agencies to support civilians. In Syria, sanctions have had a profound impact on funding for humanitarian aid for forcibly displaced people.

UN refugee agencies depend heavily on the funding of just a few Western States. While reforming the funding system may help to fulfil the agencies’ mandate and maintain autonomy, preserving their legitimacy is crucial.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) a crisis of ongoing and protracted displacements and underfunding is forcing humanitarian actors to compromise on quality and coverage, making it harder for displaced people to rebuild their lives.

Access to formal banking systems would enable Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh to receive remittances through legal channels. This would bring benefits for the refugees, the humanitarian response, and Bangladesh’s economy and security.

More than ever before, digital technology is integral to the lives of forcibly displaced people and the humanitarian systems they interact with. The connected society has the potential to improve the day-to-day lives of millions of people on the move. Ensuring that access to this technology develops equally, and that both the benefits and risks in its use are considered carefully, involves complex challenges.