Practices by Stakeholder 3

Inclusion of returnees’ needs in development plans

Mass returns over short periods of time can strain local resources and infrastructure and negatively affect the local labor market. If the State of origin has a development plan in place, nationally or locally, such plans may need adjustments to address the consequences of mass returns. Development plans could also seek to take advantage of the resources and skills that returning citizens bring with them to the benefit of States of origin and host communities.

Engagement of and support to host populations

The return of large numbers of citizens can place pressure on host populations and community infrastructure and resources. When assistance is provided to returned citizens to the exclusion of host communities, it may exacerbate tensions and result in discrimination and stigmatization. Measures to mitigate such consequences include:

• Consultation mechanisms that include the participation of host communities, including community, traditional, and religious leaders, women, and local civil society;
• Inclusive service provision for returned citizens and host communities;
• Social cohesion and community stabilization programs.

Social cohesion programs

Social cohesion programs involving communities, community organizations, local authorities, and other stakeholders can strengthen the bond between returnees and host communities, prevent the creation of tensions, and foster reintegration. Measures to strengthen social cohesion include:

• Raising awareness on the positive impacts that can accrue from returned citizens;
• Cooperating with local social networks and organizations in developing communitybased activities, such as sporting events, cultural events, or festivals;
• Bringing together local communities and returnees to discuss local issues, sources of conflict, and to create more cooperative intergroup relations;
• Identifying focal points within the community (and among returning citizens where they maintain connections with each other) and creating a network of community officers who can advise on issues as they arise, relay information on support and programs to local actors, and suggest events or campaigns;
• Creating funding programs to provide grants to community organizations as a means to invest in local community structures, ensure programming meets community needs, and empower communities to resolve tensions and find solutions. These programs could provide grants to raise awareness, promote understanding, respect, fairness and a sense of belonging, or host events, festivals, or cultural projects.

Promotion of diaspora contributions

Diaspora can contribute in significant ways to addressing the effects of crises on citizens, communities, and States. Ways to promote diaspora contributions include:

• Customs waivers to facilitate financial and in-kind support (e.g., infrastructure and equipment);
• Matching grants and other incentive schemes to promote investment in host communities;
• Providing work permits and flexible re-entry arrangements to enable diaspora to address essential needs, such as medical and psychosocial services;
• Promoting the ability of diaspora to create jobs for returned citizens;
• Facilitating the role of celebrity diaspora in raising awareness.