German activities Addressing the causes of displacement and irregular migration

    Teacher training for refugees in a camp for internally displaced persons in the Autonomous Region of Kurdistan

    In recent years, wars and conflicts have forced millions of people to leave their homes. In addition to these short-term causes of displacement, there are also structural causes that have emerged over long periods, such as poverty, inequality, discrimination, poor governance, shortages of resources, environmental degradation and food insecurity.

    Regardless of how the causes of displacement have come about, the only way they can be addressed is through continuous, long-term efforts. The aim is to improve people's living conditions to such an extent that they will not be forced to leave. This requires initiatives to strengthen political and economic stability and to improve security and social cohesion.

    Building institutions that are based on the rule of law

    Many of the countries with which the German government engages in development cooperation are affected by conflicts, violence and instability. It is above all political solutions that are needed in order to prevent conflicts from developing or escalating. That is why the German Development Ministry (BMZ) is helping countries in crisis to build and operate institutions that are based on the rule of law.

    Projects run by the Civil Peace Service

    The BMZ also supports efforts for constructive, non-violent conflict transformation. To that end, the BMZ provides funding for projects run by the Civil Peace Service (CPS). The CPS sends experts to conflict regions. They mediate in conflicts, raise public awareness of the concerns of disadvantaged groups, help former combatants to return to civilian life, work with traumatised victims of violence, and assist refugees as they return home. CPS experts always work with local organisations and initiatives.

    Training and employment programmes

    In order to improve political and economic stability on the ground, the BMZ also supports training and employment programmes that help to give people better opportunities in their countries of origin.

    Further examples of Germany's efforts to tackle the root causes of displacement include the BMZ's broad range of measures to help ensure compliance with human rights standards, develop fair trade, promote environmental and social standards, and contribute to food security and to the development of better infrastructure in its partner countries.