New Committee inquiry: how will the FCDO handle the global refugee crises?

• International Development Committee
• Inquiry: The FCDO's approach to displaced people

Scope of the inquiry

The inquiry will consider how effectively Official Development Assistance – the UK’s foreign aid – supports refugees and other displaced people around the world.

MPs on the cross-party committee will investigate how the FCDO supports civilians affected by both conflict and climate disasters. They will examine how to best tackle the key factors driving displacement, what happens to displaced people as they leave their homes, and how they can be helped to return home.

For example, the Committee may explore the unfolding situation in Syria. After rebels retook the capital city of Damascus, causing dictator Bashar al-Assad to flee the country, some Syrian refugees from neighbouring countries have reportedly begun to return home, while the uncertainty of a new regime means that others may now be leaving out of fear of sectarian violence and reprisals.

The Committee will also consider whether Government initiatives like the Integrated Security Fund – formerly the Conflict, Security and Stability Fund – are working effectively.

Global displacement is a significant challenge for the UK and the international community and one that continues to rise, with 117.3 million people forced to flee their homes in 2024. 43.4 million were refugees, around 40% of whom were under 18.

In May 2023, the previous Committee recommended that the then-Government adopt an ambitious global strategy to support countries hosting long-term refugees like Jordan. The new inquiry will consider what progress has been made since then, especially in light of new developments like the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

Full terms of reference are available on the Committee’s website.

Chair comment

Chair of the International Development Committee, Sarah Champion MP, said:

“The global displacement crisis is not going away. As the still-unfolding situation in Syria demonstrates, displacement crises are incredibly complex, often seeing people moving in many different directions. Responses need to be thoughtful and effective, responding to both the short-term and long-term needs of refugees and displaced people.

“Syria is just the latest example. All over the world, climate change, conflict and insecurity are forcing innocent people to flee their homes. How is the UK Government responding? Are the actions it has taken so far effective enough to help host countries to cope with the growing numbers of displaced people?

“As we consider these issues, we are particularly keen to hear from those with experience of displacement themselves, or their representatives – please do get in touch.”

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

Image credit: DFID via Flickr