Most Internally Displaced People Prefer to Stay Rather Than Return: Report

Geneva, 17 December 2024 — Sixty percent of persons internally displaced by conflict or disaster would rather remain in their current locations than return to their communities of origin, according to newly released findings from the second edition of the PROGRESS report. Published today by the International Organization for Migration’s Global Data Institute (GDI) in partnership with Georgetown University, the study offers a comprehensive analysis of the global state of solutions to internal displacement worldwide. 

“Humanitarian and development partners often struggle to identify and measure solutions to internal displacement,” said Ugochi Daniels, IOM Deputy Director General for Operations. “To address this need, IOM has collected IDP data for two decades, but the dedicated solutions-oriented evidence base was still required. PROGRESS aims to fill this gap.” 

With over 58.5 million people currently displaced within their own countries, this data provides crucial guidance on how to create and support lasting solutions for millions in crisis. Early in their displacement, many people already favor remaining where they have settled, challenging the common assumption that returning to one’s area of origin is always preferred. 

PROGRESS responds to a longstanding gap in understanding what displaced people themselves want and need. Based on over 116,000 household surveys and 463 qualitative consultations across 12 countries, it provides an in-depth assessment of the factors shaping displaced persons’ choices. 

“Partnering with IOM has been a unique opportunity,” said Dr. Elizabeth Ferris, Director of the Institute for the Study of International Migration at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. “IOM’s unparalleled data collection capacity in the field combined with Georgetown’s academic expertise allowed for a rich blend of quantitative and qualitative analysis. We hope these findings will help stakeholders better understand what displaced people want and guide them toward sustainable solutions.” 

Among those displaced by disasters for more than five years, a staggering 96 percent wish to remain where they are. Safety emerges as the top determinant: when people feel secure, 71 percent prefer to stay, while those who feel unsafe are more likely to consider returning to their areas of origin. 

Economic opportunities also become increasingly pivotal over time. For individuals displaced five years or longer, 25 percent cite livelihoods and employment as their main priority, compared to 18 percent among those displaced for less than a year. Although people displaced by conflict may consider return more often than those displaced by disasters, the underlying factors remain consistent across contexts—safety, stability, and livelihood opportunities are paramount. 

The PROGRESS initiative is an essential resource to advance the Secretary General’s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement, equipping the humanitarian and development community to better resolve, prevent and address internal displacement worldwide. 

Click here to read the full report.  

 
For more information, please contact:  
Avand Azeez Agha:  avhasan@iom.int, +49 171 5479280    
Kristina Uzelac: kuzelac@iom.int