As diaspora remittances now outpace both official development assistance and foreign direct investment combined, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) today published a new paper showing how stronger engagement with diaspora communities can enhance humanitarian response and support recovery efforts worldwide.
The paper highlights how diaspora communities mobilize resources rapidly, reach affected populations through trusted networks, and deliver locally informed, culturally attuned solutions, yet remain only partially integrated into formal humanitarian systems.
"Diaspora communities are some of the most agile and trusted partners in crisis response," said Ugochi Daniels, IOM Deputy Director General for Operations. "This paper shows how we can move beyond spontaneous solidarity to real, structured partnerships that strengthen local responses before, during and after crises. By connecting diaspora communities with humanitarian efforts, IOM helps ensure support gets to people quickly, effectively and with trust."
Drawing on case studies from Haiti, Lebanon, the Philippines, Somalia and Ukraine, the report documents concrete results: the Ukrainian diaspora raised USD 283 million in the first year of the conflict, while over 100 diaspora organizations mobilized within days of Haiti's 2021 earthquake.
These examples reflect a broader trend: in 2024, diaspora remittances to low- and middle-income countries reached an estimated USD 700 billion, surpassing official development assistance and foreign direct investment combined.
The report shows how structured diaspora engagement has supported preparedness, enabled lifesaving response and accelerated recovery through early warning systems, safer shelter and health services, innovative financing mechanisms and community-led recovery efforts.
The paper also outlines practical priorities for donors and partners, including flexible funding mechanisms, digital coordination tools, strengthened data partnerships, and tailored capacity-building support. It contributes to IOM's broader efforts and informs a forthcoming IOM Diaspora Strategy that positions diaspora engagement as a core pillar across the Organization's work.
