Consolidated Reply: e-discussion on Forced Migration and Development

In collaboration with UNHCR Brussels, the Joint Migration and Development Initiative (JMDI) launched an e-discussion on “Forced Migration and Development” on the M4D Net. The specific focus on forced migrants becomes necessary when recognizing that within the wider migration and development discussion refugees and other forcibly displaced persons, such as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), are a distinct group. Although it is sometimes difficult to make a clear distinction between forms of forced and voluntary migration due to the mixed, complex and shifting motivations of migrants as well as mixed migration movements, the motivation of most voluntary migrants is to find work, earn a better income or enjoy education, while forced migrants flee from their homes due to armed conflicts, violence, fear of persecution or natural or human-made disasters and are therefore in need of protection, shelter and assistance in meeting their basic needs.

This document is the consolidated outcome of the discussions that were carried out through this online platform from January to February 2011.