Disaster Displacement - Platform on Disaster Displacement

The Platform on Disaster Displacement is a State-led Initiative Working with Partners Towards Better Protection for People at Risk of or Being Displaced in the Context of Disasters and Climate Change.

The context

When disaster strikes, the impact can be devastating. Homes may be destroyed, essential services cut off, and residents forced to evacuate. Many seek temporary shelter or relocate, relying on aid. Displacement can last weeks or longer, disrupting lives and causing significant emotional and financial stress.

Our response

The main objective of the Platform on Disaster Displacement is to follow-up on the work started by the Nansen Initiative consultative process, and to implement the recommendations of the Nansen Initiative Protection Agenda, endorsed by 109 governmental delegations during a Global Consultation in October 2015.

A group of smiling children gathered together, with a young boy in an orange and blue striped shirt prominently featured in the foreground. The children appear happy and are looking toward the camera in what seems to be a casual, friendly group photo.

Key definitions

Take a look at key words and definitions we use in our work on disaster displacement.

What we do

A group of people on a tropical beach working together to pull a fishing net from the ocean. The scene shows several individuals in colorful clothing standing along the shoreline, holding and pulling a large net that extends into the water. The beach features golden sand with gentle waves lapping at the shore, while lush green vegetation and trees line the background. Above, a partly cloudy sky with white puffy clouds creates a scenic tropical setting.

We Fill Gaps and Work Across Policy Areas

The PDD concentrates on frameworks that protect displaced people and reduce displacement risks by helping people stay, move out of harm’s way, and find durable solutions. Various policy areas, such as climate change, disaster risk reduction, and human mobility, now consider disaster displacement.

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Several silhouetted figures wading in calm water during what appears to be dawn or dusk. The people are standing in shallow water that reflects the soft, muted light from the sky.

We Bring Together Partners

Creating strong partnerships among a wide range of stakeholders is key to developing a holistic approach to addressing disaster displacement.

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A person wearing orange/yellow traditional robes sits on a mound of earth and debris surrounded by floodwater. Behind them is a partially submerged house with a thatched roof, and there's a blue tarpaulin or fabric visible in the flood water. The scene appears to show the aftermath of severe flooding, with muddy brown water covering the area and trees visible in the background under an overcast sky. The image captures the impact of flooding on a rural community.

We Promote Policy Action

The PDD advocates for the recognition of disaster displacement in global policy frameworks and works with national governments and other relevant stakeholders to make sure policy is translated into action.

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An aerial view of a densely packed settlement built on stilts over turquoise water. The community consists of hundreds of colorful houses with metal roofs in various shades - red, blue, green, orange, and other bright colors - creating a vibrant patchwork pattern. The structures are built closely together on wooden platforms or piers extending into the clear, shallow water. The settlement appears to be a floating or stilt village, with the crystal-clear aquamarine water visible around and between the buildings. This type of architecture is typical of coastal communities that have adapted to living over water.

We Strengthen Evidence and Data

The PDD continues to support enhanced understanding, evidence, and data on disaster displacement and its impacts is essential to identify specific disaster displacement challenges and address needs.

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An elderly man in traditional clothing stands in shallow water at the shoreline during golden hour, holding a long walking stick or staff. He's wearing a light blue shirt and colorful lower garment, with the calm ocean stretching to the horizon behind him. The sky features soft clouds and warm lighting that creates a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere. The water reflects the evening light, and gentle waves lap at his feet as he stands on what appears to be a beach or tidal flat.

We Get the Word out

The PDD aims to build a general understanding of the risk that individuals or communities will face when being forced to leave their homes in the context of disasters and climate change, the protection needs of those displaced, and the policy and normative gaps that need to be addressed.

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Contact

Secretariat

International Environment House 1
Chemin des Anémones 11-13
1219 Châtelaine, Geneva
Switzerland

+41 79 518 5765
info@disasterdisplacement.org

Media Enquiries

Chirine El Labbane
Communication Officer

+41 78 879 0848
chirinee@unops.org

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