Finding 2: Economic insecurity

Displaced populations are at high risk of entering, or staying in, economic insecurity once they have been forced to leave their home.

Discussions on forced displacement are never far from a debate on the triggers of migration, and to what extent those who are displaced are economic migrants, rather than forced from their home due to conflict, natural or social hazards. Stories from around the world highlight the complexity of displacement triggers, alongside a common theme of displacement populations being more at risk, or continuing to be at risk, after leaving their home.

It is clear that multiple factors, including financial or livelihood considerations, will cause people to be on the move. Economic factors might build over time with a short term disaster being the trigger that finally forces someone to move, or someone might endure disasters but eventually lose their livelihood and choose to leave.

Biggest threats faced by displaced persons

Those displaced for shorter time frames perceived their biggest threats as natural hazards (heavy rainfall, storms and flash floods), whilst those displaced for a longer period seem to be more concerned with economic related issues. When looking at the biggest perceived threats, 19.4% of all respondents stated their biggest threat was a lack of access to basic services (food, water, education and health). 13.5% of all respondents described flash floods as their biggest threat, followed by 13.1% who described poverty as their biggest threat.

These findings are replicated with female responses, but 16% of male displaced participants highlighted unemployment as a threat. These are all indications that displacement patterns in the areas studied do not lead to durable solutions but instead displaced persons seem to be ending up in poverty or not released from it over time.

The map below highlights a displaced community in Indonesia living away from essential services, having been relocated after floods to areas without good access to the service they need. 

Actions to address displacement challenges

Finally, action for poverty reduction and employment, creating business and livelihood opportunities and water and sanitation programmes were the three most common responses to the VFL survey to address displacement challenges. It is concerning that displaced persons need action on financial and water security – two critical issues that arguably should be prioritised in any displacement response. 

Looking more closely at the suggested actions, there is a difference of opinion between groups who have been displaced less than one year, who state evacuations, drills and simulations, reforestation and disaster preparedness action should be taken. Those displaced for 1-3 years state action for poverty reduction and employment and education and training as their priority actions. This, again, is an indication that those displaced within a shorter amount of time remain perhaps significantly more concerned about ongoing disasters or causes for displacement, than those who have been displaced for longer, whom become increasingly concerned by economic issues.