The search for solutions to protracted forced displacement must be seen as a development issue, not simply through a predominately humanitarian lens. This applies equally to: (i) internally displaced persons (IDPs) who are citizens or residents of their own country and who are thus entitled to enjoy the rights available to the whole population; and (ii) refugees and asylum seekers who are often dependent on the will and capacity of host countries to support them in finding solutions to their displacement.

This Position Paper presents an overall vision and highlights a major role for UNDP to lead and contribute to solutions in the areas affected by the Syria crisis and, more broadly, by internal displacement, including in Iraq. It builds upon UNDP’s global approach to development solutions to forced displacement, and gives a clear direction for UNDP’s role on adaptive solutions, clarifying and further strengthening UNDP’s development leadership, integrated policy interventions, and strategic programming directions. UNDP will build upon its existing knowledge and expertise in the region through a combination of policy dialogue, strategic programmatic interventions, renewed partnerships and coalitions, and a solid and more focused financing strategy.