Migration, through regular and irregular channels, is a challenge for our sector. This is particularly the case in forced migration for displaced people, including refugees. Migration and forced displacement can occur in the wake of environmental disasters, as a result of conflict; of economic or political instability; or as a consequence of discrimination, harassment or oppression. Displacement is a particular area of concern for people with diverse SOGIE because of the increased experiences of violence, harassment and discrimination people face during displacement.
‘Chosen family,’ or families that one builds out of friends rather than blood relations, play a central role in the lives of many people with diverse SOGIE. In times of displacement, chosen families and communities may not be able to communicate with one another, may not be able to meet, or may not be able to find one another. People with diverse SOGIE may be physically removed from their communities and forced to live with blood relations or in other configurations, which increases their vulnerability to discrimination and puts stress on their normal coping mechanisms. Refugees with diverse SOGIESC face challenges in accessing services, and may be subjected to violence and discrimination at the hands of their host communities.
The resources available in this category cover an array of topics including: the increased risks for discrimination and harassment displaced people and refugees with diverse SOGIE face; experiences of violence during displacement; the ways in which displacement and dislocation manifest for people and communities with diverse SOGIE; the specific risks refugees with diverse SOGIE face; and the ways diverse SOGIE communities stay resilient in the face of displacement.
These resources have been compiled to enable humanitarian practitioners to better meet the needs of migrants–including displaced people and refugees–with diverse SOGIESC, and to increase understanding around the specific challenges and opportunities for migrants, displaced people, and refugees with diverse SOGIESC.
