Finding 6: Exclusion from decisions

Displaced communities most at risk, especially women, are not adequately being involved in decisions that affect them.

Two thirds of respondents feel they are ‘not at all’ consulted in the design of policies, plans and activities to reduce disaster risk, not given access to financial resources to reduce risks they face nor have access to timely and usable information to help them reduce risks. All these aspects make up an enabling environment that would positively influence effective policy and practice for anyone at risk. The lack of information (18%), lack of awareness (15%), and extreme poverty (14%) were the key factors preventing inclusion in the policy environment. 

Reluctance to report on the local policy environment

Anecdotally, several displaced persons – especially women – did not want to answer questions on policy environment. This indicated a lack of ability, confidence, willingness or knowledge to even speak into this issue – the first step to then being able to advocate for change. Reasons for this have been suggested by enumerators which include lack of confidence to speak up, not understanding the policy environment (or question) at all and perceived political consequence or strong party political influence in their communities. Conclusions from our Views from the Frontline global report show that people cannot access information, rather than not being able to understand it – another important factor to consider. 

Experience of displaced people in Niger

The map below shows Diffa, Niger, with the red area highlighting where the displaced live. A visual image of displaced living at the edges of cities which, as stated in other findings, limits their access to services. Subsequently, it also brings limitations to equitable access to the policy environment with key decisions made away from their community.