The Framework for Diaspora Engagement in Humanitarian Assistance (hereafter “the Framework”) is the result of years of research and cooperation between the International Organization for Migration (IOM), diaspora organizations (DOs) and institutional humanitarian actors (IHAs). The Framework is directed towards diaspora actors, in particular diaspora’s organizations and coalitions, and institutional humanitarian actors, both at the global and country level.

Diasporas have long been engaging in humanitarian assistance in multiple ways (i.e. in-kind donations, financial contributions and remittances, skilled volunteerism, etc.) to respond to the humanitarian and development needs of affected communities in their countries of origin and countries of residence. The question is “HOW” to more effectively engage and coordinate with diaspora groups to further leverage all actors’ experiences, skill sets, resources, and unique added values.

Building upon several decades of work around diaspora’s engagement and humanitarian assistance coordination, IOM, in partnership with Haiti Renewal Alliance and in consultation with several humanitarian stakeholders, developed a Framework for more streamlined diaspora engagement in humanitarian assistance. The goals of the Framework are to (1) increase the capacity of diasporas and other actors to more effectively coordinate, communicate and collaborate with one another, and (2) to increase the reach and effectiveness of interventions across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus.

This Framework specifically applies to humanitarian crises affecting diasporas' countries of origin or heritage. However, the adaptability of the Framework allows for consideration of humanitarian assistance provided by diaspora in locations different from their country of origin, e.g. in countries of displacement or in neighboring countries, with a regional focus. The Framework is applicable at any stage of humanitarian assistance – preparedness/ prevention, response and recovery. It's also adaptable to contexts where recovery moves towards development, and where the same country may experience 'pockets' of crisis within a broader development context.

The Framework is applicable at any stage of humanitarian assistance: preparedness/prevention, response and recovery. Considering the important role that diasporas play along the humanitarian development nexus, this framework is also adaptable to contexts where recovery moves towards development and/or where the same country may experience pockets of crisis within a broader development context.

DEMAC has been supporting the application of the Framework through partnership with IOM since 2023. Read about our partnership here.