Peacebuilding is a central objective for development agencies and international organisations, particularly in fragile and conflict-prone regions. Unlike humanitarian responses during crises — where diasporas often emerge as some of the most effective and fastest-acting contributors — peacebuilding takes a long-term approach. It addresses the root causes of conflict such as inequality, weak governance and lack of social cohesion, to prevent further conflict and foster resilient societies
The interconnection between diasporas and peacebuilding has gained increasing attention. With this in mind, EUDiF explores the long-term involvement of diasporas in the conflict or post-conflict development of their countries of origin. Just as in their engagement in development, diasporas are driven not only by strong personal motivation, but also by a deep sense of responsibility, solidarity, and commitment to sustainable peace. Clear patterns are emerging in the roles diasporas are increasingly playing in conflict prevention, reconciliation, transnational justice, promotion of the rule of law, both formally and informally.
To harness the full potential of diasporas in peacebuilding, it is essential to recognise their unique position, provide adequate support, and ensure they are fully included in the peace process. By addressing the challenges and meeting the needs outlined below, diaspora communities can become even more powerful agents of positive change, contributing to lasting peace and stability in their countries of heritage and beyond.
Peacebuilding is inherently challenging. In addition to the complex dynamics faced by all stakeholders, diaspora face specific challenges to their participation:
Diaspora actors may not always be recognised as legitimate partner in peacebuilding processes, either by the governments in their countries of origin or by international organisations due to their “distant” relation with the home country. This limits their capacity to influence decision-making or engage in meaningful peace initiatives.
Diaspora communities are frequently diverse, comprising individuals with varying political, cultural, and social backgrounds. “They may be viewed as peacemakers by some and as peacebreakers by others.”. Disagreements and divisions within the diaspora, whether rooted in political ideologies, personal experiences, or allegiances, can hinder collective action.
Many diaspora members carry emotional burdens from trauma or loss due to conflict or wars in their countries of origin. These experiences can both inspire and complicate their involvement in peacebuilding. Additionally, ongoing danger in their home country may pose significant security threats and physical barriers, preventing direct engagement in development activities on-site.
Diasporas often lack well-established formal channels or frameworks to engage in peacebuilding in an organised manner. The absence of institutionalised connections between diaspora organisations and peacebuilding efforts in the home country can result in missed opportunities for collaboration.
- While diasporas are often motivated to contribute, they may lack the necessary resources, knowledge, or training to do so effectively. Their contributions could also be fragmented and unsustainable if there is no adequate infrastructure to support them.
EUDiF has observed diaspora from all regions demonstrate eight distinct roles diaspora play in peacebuilding, though many individuals and communities will play multiple roles at a time. It is also important to note that diaspora are constantly innovating and creating new roles in peacebuilding.
Role
Description
Example
Trust builders and gatekeepers
Due to their dual identities and connections, diaspora members bridge divides between communities by fostering dialogue and mutual understanding. This unique position can allow diaspora to mediate, facilitate, and influence the flow of critical resources and information between their home and host countries.
Somali diaspora facilitated mediation efforts between clans by leveraging transnational networks, providing financial support, and utilizing their perceived neutrality to promote community-level dialogue and reconciliation.
Ambassadors for positive peace
Due to their exposure to peacebuilding values in host and democratic societies, well-integrated diaspora very often promote long-term peace by addressing root causes like inequality, exclusion and hate speech back home. As well, there are peace education initiatives, where diaspora partner with schools to integrate peace studies and conflict resolution trainings.
Rwanda’s diaspora supported post-genocide reconciliation programs, by fostering dialogue and unity among Rwandans both abroad and at home. Ethiopian youth-led diaspora wove the fabric of peace through education, advocacy, and action.
Advocates for transitional justice
Truth-seeking diaspora push for accountability for past atrocities, war crimes and reparations in post-conflict settings. Through their lobby and transnational networks, they amplify local voices and contribute to healing and justice-seeking efforts, mobilising international support.
Chilean diaspora formed by the forced exile of approximately 200,000 individuals during Pinochet’s dictatorship, has been instrumental in seeking justice for regime-era crimes by supporting legal actions, preserving historical memory, and advocating for human rights accountability both within Chile and internationally.
Storyteller
Diaspora document and share lived experiences, preserving history and humanizing conflicts through art, cultural movements and storytelling. Initiatives include highlighting refugee resilience, theatre performances on war crimes, exhibitions on raising awareness on atrocities, collecting stories from victims to promote reconciliation and social healing.
Syrian diaspora organised exhibitions and performances featuring the work of young Syrian artists, using art, literature, music, and poetry to promote Syrian civil society and resist repression, sustaining creative expression in the face of dictatorship and sharing these messages globally.
Capacity developers
Skills and knowledge transfer is a strong way diaspora strengthen institutions, communities and resilience capacities. Such capacity development can be directly related to peacebuilding, or contextualised.
Armenian diaspora engaged in mentoring programs and developed training materials to enhance the business skills of women entrepreneurs on the margins of the conflict, thereby enhancing resilience and crisis management.
Narrative shapers and promoters
Using journalism, documentaries, literature and art to counter divisive rhetoric, diaspora influence discourse and engage in peace negotiations by offering alternative perspectives. This can be done through public engagement, media advocacy, social media, demonstrations etc.
Colombian diaspora has contributed to shaping peace agreement discussions through media campaigns, public forums, and advocacy to amplify their voices, thereby securing representation in national peacebuilding institutions and contributing to transitional justice efforts.
Fact finders and truth-tellers
Diaspora members can counter mis- and dis-information and propaganda by providing fact-based narratives and direct access to people on the ground.
Ukrainian diaspora actively countered war-related disinformation by launching digital campaigns to debunk false narratives and engaged in lobbying efforts at EU institutions.
Partnership enablers
They connect local actors with international organizations, civil society, universities and various private sector actors and offer networking and partnership opportunities for recovery and peace initiatives in post-conflict settings.
Ethiopian diaspora helped to create partnerships and mobilise donors to contribute to the recovery of Wollo University following the severe impacts of the 2022 warfare, particularly in Dessie, by providing funding, lobbying, and training.
Diaspora communities have proven to be valuable partners in peacebuilding and crisis response. Within the EUDiF framework, this has been evident in two projects, our collaboration with the Armenian General Benevolent Union Europe (AGBU Europe) and with Wollo University in Ethiopia. Additionally, we have closely examined the Ukrainian diaspora as a case study to better understand diaspora engagement in times of crisis. In each of these contexts, diaspora actors made a significant impact in achieving the following contributed significantly to the outcomes outlined below.
Governments and international organisations should formally recognise diaspora groups as legitimate peacebuilding stakeholders. This includes involving diaspora representatives in peace talks, policymaking, and development planning. Such recognition fosters a sense of ownership and long-term commitment to peace.
Diaspora-led peacebuilding initiatives should have access to financial support through grants, loans, or partnership opportunities. Complementary technical assistance, including tailored training in conflict resolution, advocacy, negotiations and governance, can help ensure sustainability and scalability.
Encourage closer collaboration between diaspora organisations, peacebuilding institutions, local civil society, and government. Regional and global networks can help share resources, align efforts, and amplify the impact of diaspora contributions, ensuring a unified approach.
Create dedicated platforms for diaspora engagement in peacebuilding at both local and international levels. These platforms should facilitate dialogue, policy influence, and coordinated resource mobilisation.
Offer targeted psychosocial support to diaspora communities affected by trauma, stress, or burnout. This will help individuals engage in peacebuilding with a greater stability, clarity and resilience.
Acknowledge the contributions of all diaspora groups, including women, youth, and marginalised groups. Inclusivity strengthens peacebuilding efforts by bringing diverse perspectives and fostering equitable participation through targeted initiatives and policies. This can be achieved through gender-sensitive policies, initiatives that prioritise women’s leadership, the inclusion of youth and facilitation of intergenerational and interregional dialogue.
- Developed by ICMPD’s CORE-UA project, the Diaspora Engagement Report: Case Studies and Best Practices for Ukraine features recommendations on effective diaspora engagement in peacebuilding and recovery, featuring the case studies from Albania, Serbia, Lithuania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Somalia, South Africa, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Liberia