During prolonged displacement, people often find themselves stuck in a transition gap because while they are no longer in an emergency and have lived in camps and host communities for many years, many still depend on humanitarian aid and relief distributions to meet their daily needs. This aid dependence increases their vulnerability and exposes them to exploitation. They are unable to achieve self-reliance to rebuild their lives with dignity because they do not have the skills, resources, access, and social, economic and national integration required.
During this transition gap, they are trapped in a cycle of vulnerability and poverty, which, in turn, contributes to making their displacement prolonged. In seeking ways to close this transition gap, displaced people need a bridge to seamlessly connect humanitarian and development solutions through all relevant stages of displacement. Because there is no single path to reintegration or resettlement into society, the transition gap should be closed by focusing on empowering displaced people in a way that enables them (gives them the tools and agency) to choose their preferred form of reintegration into society with dignity.
On the vulnerabilities they face, two women shared their stories,
I have no job and lost all my property. When I think about my loved ones, I cannot sleep, and I feel dizzy”
I am worried when I think of what the children will eat. When I sit down, I think, so I go out to look for people I can talk to”
