Regions of Origin Initiative

Denmark developed the “Regions of Origin Initiative (ROI)” to meet the challenge of displacement-related needs in protracted conflicts where  appropriate international assistance falls in a grey zone between humanitarian action and development interventions.

The initiative builds upon UNHCR’s Framework for Durable Solutions. It focuses on the context-specific needs of displaced persons, their host communities and the areas or communities they will permanently return to or settle in. The activities under the ROI focus on protection and livelihoods with a particular focus on promoting durable solutions.

The initiative incorporates the regional dimensions of displacement situations and emphasises participation of target groups including host communities and relevant partners in planning and implementation. The initiative’s purpose is to bridge between humanitarian and development assistance. The initiative also aims specifically to link its activities to broader national/ international humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in recognition that ROI is only one of many parts of the efforts to achieve durable solutions and recovery. The initiative gives priority to areas of high vulnerability; areas where the capacity to absorb IDPs or refugees is very low; areas/countries coming out of conflict; and areas affected by mixed migratory movements.