The International Development Committee will investigate the
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) approach to
displaced people, in an inquiry launched today.
The inquiry will consider how effectively Official Development
Assistance – the UK's foreign aid – supports refugees and other
displaced people around the world.
MPs on the cross-party committee will investigate how the FCDO
supports civilians affected by both conflict and climate
disasters. They will examine how to best tackle the key factors
driving displacement, what happens to displaced people as they
leave their homes, and how they can be helped to return home.
For example, the Committee may explore the unfolding situation in
Syria. After rebels retook the capital city of Damascus, causing
dictator Bashar al-Assad to flee the country, some Syrian
refugees from neighbouring countries have reportedly begun to
return home, while the uncertainty of a new regime means that
others may now be leaving out of fear of sectarian violence and
reprisals.
The Committee will also consider whether Government initiatives
like the Integrated Security Fund – formerly the Conflict,
Security and Stability Fund – are working effectively.
Global displacement is a significant challenge for the UK and the
international community and one that continues to rise, with
117.3 million people forced to flee their homes in 2024. 43.4
million were refugees, around 40% of whom were under
18.
In May 2023, the previous Committee recommended that the
then-Government adopt an ambitious global strategy to support
countries hosting long-term refugees like Jordan. The new inquiry
will consider what progress has been made since then, especially
in light of new developments like the ongoing crisis in the
Middle East.
Full terms of reference are available on the Committee's website.
, Chair of the International
Development Committee, said:
“The global displacement crisis is not going away. As the
still-unfolding situation in Syria demonstrates, displacement
crises are incredibly complex, often seeing people moving in many
different directions. Responses need to be thoughtful and
effective, responding to both the short-term and long-term needs
of refugees and displaced people.
“Syria is just the latest example. All over the world, climate
change, conflict and insecurity are forcing innocent people to
flee their homes. How is the UK Government responding? Are the
actions it has taken so far effective enough to help host
countries to cope with the growing numbers of displaced people?
“As we consider these issues, we are particularly keen to hear
from those with experience of displacement themselves, or their
representatives – please do get in touch.”
