1.5. The Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus

As the international community continues to address complex aspects of constantly changing patterns of displacement, a growing realisation seems to inform the discourse and praxis of international protection over the past years: forced displacement is not only a humanitarian concern but also a development challenge. The majority of refugees around the world not only originate from fragile environments, but also flee to fragile environments.46  

In such contexts, humanitarian support alone from governments and private donors may not suffice in fostering protection. Comprehensive support is needed from a diversity of stakeholders, including businesses, financial institutions and civil society organisations, that can synthesise their respective expertise in achieving development solutions. The approach is meant to address the risk of aid dependency, the exclusion of refugees from host societies and the increased burden on the already-limited resources in host countries. It aims to render cooperation among developmental, peace and humanitarian actors as the default response in displacement situations. It also highlights the importance of ensuring the participation of affected communities in the design of protection solutions to exhibit their agency and contribute their skills. 

To actively advocate and strategize the humanitarian-development-peace praxis, members of the International Network on Conflict and Fragility (INCAF), within the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) Development and Assistance Committee, developed a common position to address forced displacement. Three areas of work were identified: 

a) Provide early mitigation of shocks associated with the impact of forced displacement in low- and middle-income countries (e.g. provision of immediate assistance; dialogue with affected local communities, authorities and municipalities; and collaboration with different actors to ensure alignment and complementarity of efforts);

b) Include forcibly displaced and stateless populations in sustainable development and climate action programmes; and

c) Address recurring drivers of forced displacement, support solutions and preparedness to cope with emerging trends (e.g. engage those involved in peacebuilding activities to prevent conflict; support private sector investments to build economic prospects and resilience; and highlight the benefits of systemic solutions and preparedness in mitigating the risk of crises).47
 
The Data Sharing Agreement, signed by UNHCR and the World Bank in June 2023, is an example of collaboration between humanitarian and development actors. Through the agreement, both organisations will have quicker access to data, and thus humanitarian aid and developmental assistance can be better targeted. Access to data related to the socioeconomic condition of displaced people will enable the World Bank to design programmes for long-term economic resilience and individual potential.48 In parallel, country-level data from the World Bank can inform UNHCR assistance to displaced populations and host communities. Sharing statistics between the two organisations also enhances analytical understanding and fosters complementarity in environments where both organisations operate.49

 
The Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus approach was prominent in the 2023 Global Refugee Forum, where a multistakeholder pledge invited a wide range of contributors to leverage their strengths to address humanitarian crises through a whole-of-society approach, while attaining human security.50