Diaspora Protection Information For Safe Migration

Diaspora are often the first and most trusted source of information for people considering migration. According to the Mixed Migration Centre, more than 60% of migrants seek guidance from friends and family abroad before departure - and many continue to rely on them throughout their journey.

Diaspora as trusted messengers for people on the move

Through DRC’s Diaspora Engagement, DRC partners with diaspora organisations as trusted and influential actors in delivering essential protection information to people on the move.

With a shared language, cultural understanding, and lived migration experience, diaspora actors are uniquely positioned to reach key audiences in all stages of the displacement cycle, including individuals at risk of displacement, displaced populations, and persons wishing to return.

Through their transnational networks, members of the wider diaspora regularly share information with family and friends across borders, further extending the reach and impact of this engagement.

How does DRC support diaspora protection information?

The aim to support diaspora is to reduce risks by minimising threats, decreasing vulnerabilities, and strengthening people’s capacity to protect themselves - primarily by improving knowledge and awareness of risks and safer migration options.

By building the capacity of diaspora actors, protection information delivers:

Accurate, context-specific information on rights, risks, and available services along migration routes, delivered by diaspora partners trained to counter misinformation with up-to-date analysis and tailored communication tools.
Improved access to support through trained diaspora partners who offer emotional support and guide migrants to legal aid, healthcare, and psychosocial services.
Scalable, adaptable models for diaspora-led engagement across countries and migration routes.

DRC Projects on accurate, culturally relevant protection information

Afghan Safe Migration Project (2019-2022):

With the Mixed Migration Centre, DRC supported Afghan diaspora organisations in Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany to share culturally relevant migration information, reaching 5 million Facebook users at a 25-35% engagement rate — well above industry benchmarks.

Ukrainian Diaspora Protection Information (2022-2023):

Ukrainian diaspora groups in Italy, Germany, Poland, and Denmark disseminated protection messages on human trafficking, labour exploitation, and gender-based violence via social media, print materials, and community meetings, reaching more than 244,000 views.

Pathways to Protection (P2P) (2025-2029):
Implemented by DRC with the Danish Red Cross and the International Detention Coalition, P2P supports people on the move across ten countries along the Central, Western, and Eastern Mediterranean routes.The diaspora component builds on DRC's proven model of partnering with diaspora organisations to deliver accurate, culturally
relevant protection information, leveraging trusted networks to reach migrants with timely messages and equipping organisations with training and resources to connect people to services along the route.