Seminar "Forced Migration and Humanitarian Action” – Perspectives from Humanitarian Actors Working with People in Displacement

Today’s global humanitarian situation is marked by diverse forced migration scenarios caused by various crises. When people leave their homes due to conflicts, disasters, and other crises, they face impoverishment, deprivation, separation from family, and acute risks requiring protection. Consequently, forced migration has become a critical operational concern and a necessary subject of study.

In 2022, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Ogata Research Institute launched a research project titled "Evolving Humanitarian Action for Forced Migration .“ This project examines the challenges of forced migration for humanitarian efforts and identifies recent developments to enhance assistance and better protect those with specific needs during displacement. This three-year project culminated in a book and a guidance note aimed at advancing research and practice. The book, “Forced Migration and Humanitarian Action: Operational Challenges and Solutions for Supporting People on the Move”, has seven chapters showcasing case studies from various regions, emphasizing the operational approaches needed to support diverse displaced groups and population.

Humanitarian actors play crucial roles in supporting displaced populations and engaging in activities such as data collection, monitoring, and response operations. This seminar aims to introduce the book, addressing the complex phenomena of forced migration and humanitarian action while offering insight from various organizations actively engaged in humanitarian and displacement efforts. Notable speakers include representatives from the Christian Blind Mission, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Displacement Tracking Matrix, the IOM Global Migration Data Analysis Centre, the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, and the Platform on Disaster Displacement. These experts will discuss the features of their work and the challenges they face in implementing their respective operations. This seminar seeks to engage a diverse audience keen on understanding humanitarian assistance operations for different people facing displacement.

17:30-35 Joint welcome remarks
17:35-45 Introduction to the book “Forced Migration and Humanitarian Action”
Dr. Lisette R. Robles (previously with JICA Ogata Research Institute)
17:45-55 Presentation 1: Christian Blind Mission
Mr. Oliver Neuschaefer (Christian Blind Mission)
17:55-18:05 Presentation 2: IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix
Ms. Nikki Herwanger (IOM – Displacement Tracking Matrix) and Ms. Alexandra Bate (IOM – Displacement Tracking Matrix)
18:05-15 Presentation 3: IOM Global Migration Data Analysis Centre
Dr. Irene Schöfberger (previously with IOM – Global Migration Data Analysis Centre)
18:15-25 Presentation 4: Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre
Ms. Louisa Yasukawa (previously with the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre)
18:25-35 Presentation 5: Platform on Disaster Displacement
Dr. Lorenzo Guadagno (Platform on Disaster Displacement)
18:35-45 Remarks and comments
Prof. David Slater (Faculty of Liberal Arts, Sophia University)
18:45-19:00 Q&A session
19:00 End of seminar

Please register by clicking here.
*Registration will be closed at noon January 30 (Japan time).

JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development（Mr. Oboshi and Ms. Itoh）
E-mail：ditas-rsunit@jica.go.jp