Somali diaspora
For decades, Somalia has been among the most conflict prone countries in the world. Its people continue to face multiple challenges, including political insecurity, conflict, natural disasters such as drought, flooding, and cyclones.
Somalis are considered among the most dispersed migrant groups worldwide, with more than 10% - or 2 million - of its population living outside Somalia. Somali diaspora communities play a crucial role in providing aid, relief measures and sharing information on migration for women and men left behind. Remittances are estimated to be between USD $1.3 – 2bn per year, with some 40 % of households in the country estimated to receive these transfers for sustaining their basic needs.
Our work with the Somali diaspora
Our work with the Somali diaspora is guided by considering the local circumstances they are operating in, as well as the nature and dynamics of their engagement. Why is this important?
The Somali diaspora is diverse. Their engagement towards Somalia is based on different motivations, positions, and clan-affiliations. Most significantly, it is personal. Therefore, our programming with diasporas does not follow a one-size fits all approach. It is based on social, cultural, and local contexts.
We aim to support and strengthen Somali diasporas capacities in two areas: Humanitarian response, economic recovery, and durable solutions. More than 160 Somali diaspora networks have received either financial or technical support through our different projects over the past two decades. We currently focus on supporting Somali networks during the drought, facilitating a safe space for networking, capacity building for fundraising or project development and conducting research about Somali diaspora humanitarianism.
Nasra's story from the Diaspora Business Entrepreneurs video series
Projects related to Somali diaspora
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Burkina Faso: Prevention and Resilience for the Future of Titao
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Burkina Faso: Celebrating the capacity for resilience on World Refugee Day
Emergency response in Nigeria
Contending with an Insidious Threat: A Look Inside Mine Action Efforts in South Kordofan
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One year after the activation of the Temporary Protection Directive: learnings on…
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Executive committee: Minutes 2020
Executive committee: Minutes 2021
Current themes in Diaspora Programme
Global Displacement Forecast Report 2026 Launch
Ukraine: Powering essential services in the frontline oblasts
Ukraine: Solar power improves energy supply at care facility in Mykolaiv Oblast
Llega a Colombia el chatbot ‘Sami’: una herramienta con inteligencia artificial para…
Anticipatory action reports, assessments, evaluations, etc.
Board of Directors: Minutes 2026
Rescue efforts urgently needed as hundreds of Rohingya refugees continue to struggle to…
Board of Directors: Minutes 2023
Board of Directors: Minutes 2024
Board of Directors: Minutes 2025
Contact us
Iraqi Water Week (14-22 March): Iraq’s water situation continues to deteriorate, with…
Private sector engagement
Youth empowerment
Digital innovation
The organisation
Ukraine: Dry and warm homes — improving living conditions for IDPs and vulnerable people
2026 ADAPT Report: Care relations under pressure
Protection reports: Mexico
Protection Monitoring Dash Board Mexico
FLS - Family Liaison Support Training Online
“A Teacher in a Tent”: Shadi’s Story from Jabalia
LOCAL - Lowering compliance burdens for local and national associations
ADIP - Afghan Safe Migration
Ukraine: Finding safety and support after injury
Press room
Udtalelse fra generalsekretær, Charlotte Slente, efter USA's permanente annullering af…
DREAM: Digital Race for Employment and Mobility in Tunisia
Ukraine: Overview of the legal updates
DiPS projects granted funding
AHEAD Model background info, forecast reports, etc.
Losing more than home
Anticipatory Action for Displacement at DRC - Annual Review 2025: Progress, Learning and…
Ukraine: Winter under pressure as cities struggle with energy shortages
How durable solutions are bringing water to Hajjah
Global Displacement Forecast
Ukraine: Vocational education grants aiding people find jobs and rebuild livelihoods
Microinsurance Initiative for Informal Workers in the Middle East
Burkina Faso: Prevention and Resilience for the Future of Titao
Security crisis: Danish Refugee Council responds to humanitarian emergency in Seytenga
Burkina Faso: Celebrating the capacity for resilience on World Refugee Day
Emergency response in Nigeria
Contending with an Insidious Threat: A Look Inside Mine Action Efforts in South Kordofan
More than half a million Afghans supported through Area-Based Approach for Development…
One year after the activation of the Temporary Protection Directive: learnings on…
DRC presence in southern Ukraine to reach newly accessible areas
Story from the field: "Interview with CCCM Officer deployed to Ukraine"
Restoring life in Zindajan
Executive committee: Minutes 2020
Executive committee: Minutes 2021
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