Standing amidst the rubble in Homs, Syria, one year ago, I felt deeply anguished by the destruction. Thirteen years since the start of the Syrian conflict, the sense of loss was still raw. Many continue to live in the ruins of their homes, while many more have fled in search of a better life. Ravaged by a protracted conflict, more than 14 million people have been displaced – within Syria, across neighbouring countries, and even as far as Europe.

One thing was clear: I was not just witnessing damaged buildings; I was witnessing damaged communities, families and lives. 

Sadly, this situation is not unique. Every day, thousands are forced to flee their homes, escaping war and disasters. They struggle to find work, to stay healthy, and to send their children to school.  

Displacement is one of the most pressing humanitarian and development challenges globally. Right now, 122.6 million people are forcibly displaced. A majority of them, nearly 76 million, are Internally Displaced Persons, or IDPs, who remain within their countries, unlike refugees who cross international borders.

The distinction between IDPs and refugees is important. 

While the plight of refugees frequently garners global attention, internal displacement remains less visible. In conflict-affected regions, IDPs far outnumber refugees, yet they struggle to get the same level of support. They often endure dire conditions, with limited access to essential services such as clean water, sanitation, healthcare and education. Women and children, who form the bulk of displaced populations, face heightened risks of sexual and gender-based violence, exploitation and child labour.

Displacement also devastates economies. Losing homes, jobs and social networks forces people to rely more on humanitarian aid, straining already fragile financial systems.

In Sudan, one year of war alone led to an economic loss of 125 billion dollars. 

The long-term impacts can be equally persistent. 

In Syria, the conflict has led to an estimated loss of 800 billion dollars. In some cases, prolonged displacement fuels further conflict, as competition for resources like agricultural land, jobs and basic amenities creates tensions between IDPs and ‘host’ communities already residing in places where they seek shelter.

Climate change also exacerbates internal displacement. Floods, droughts and cyclones are affecting millions, especially in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and small island states. Unlike those escaping conflict, climate-displaced populations often lack formal legal protection mechanisms, leaving them even more vulnerable,. 

Since 2014, the number of IDPs has surged by over 50 percent, highlighting the urgency to address this crisis. 

As conveners of ‘Solutions Champions’, a high-level group leading UN response to internal displacement, UNDP, IOM and UNHCR are coordinating efforts for both immediate relief and long-term sustainable solutions.

From recovery to resilience

Sustainable solutions to internal displacement require strong government leadership and ownership. Towards this, UNDP partners with national and local governments to build their capacities. Restoring access to basic services is important to fast-track recovery and lay the foundation for long-term resilience. In Ukraine, as IDPs and refugees start returning, our efforts are rehabilitating critical infrastructure including energy, water and waste management systems.

People also need jobs. Through skills training, entrepreneurship and financial support, we help displaced populations regain economic independence. In Afghanistan, support to 80,000 women-led Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have generated over 900,000 jobs for both IDPs and host communities, benefitting 4.5 million people.

Such early recovery solutions, which follow immediately after emergency aid, are vital. They allow governments and communities to rapidly transition from crisis to self-reliance, thus reducing dependence on external aid.

Stronger communities means lasting peace

A fundamental question when addressing internal displacement is: what comes next?

Some IDPs return home, while others integrate into host communities or other locations. It is essential that all groups receive support to ensure social harmony and peaceful reintegration.

Take the case of Ngarannam in Northeast Nigeria, which was devastated by Boko Haram-led insurgencies and has been rebuilt from ashes through thehe Regional Stabilization Facility led by UNDP and partners, helping people living in displacement camps for nearly eight years return and rebuild their lives. Community-built homes, shops, and financial grants to revive agriculture and small businesses have restored people’s lives and also their trust in government institutions.

While Iraq has officially moved out of crisis, over 1 million still remain internally displaced. As efforts to rebuild infrastructure and the economy are underway, they are being complemented by counselling services, helping people collectively recover from the trauma of war and restoring a sense of community.

The bottomline is clear: by empowering communities to recover and rebuild, we can break the cycle of crisis for lasting peace and prosperity.

A Hope for the Future

Syria has been one of the world’s longest running displacement crises, but the tide is finally turning. Since December 2024, over 885,000 IDPs and 302,000 refugees have returned. Yet coming back home is only the first step. Sustainable reintegration requires jobs, access to services and trust in governance.

UNDP’s stabilization efforts are supporting national and local authorities in Syria to restore infrastructure, create jobs and strengthen social cohesion. There, I met Mo’menah, a war survivor who now runs a restaurant, delivering falafel across town on her motorbike. Waad, who lost her eyesight during the conflict but never lost sight of her ambition, owns a small utility shop today. Both had been forced to leave their home and lost everything, but with start-up support, they are starting a new life with financial independence.

Such stories give me hope, that even in the midst of displacement, we can create opportunities for recovery, dignity and peace.