orced migration is not a choice. Conflict and climate change are forcing millions from their homes, making displacement an unavoidable reality for many. According to UNHCR, over 110 million people were forcibly displaced by mid–2023—the highest number ever recorded. Education plays a critical role in ensuring displaced young people have the opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute to society.
Tackling the Root Causes of Forced Migration
Reducing forced migration requires addressing systemic drivers such as conflict, environmental degradation, and economic instability. Without urgent action, climate–related displacement alone could reach 216 million people by 2050, according to the Global Education Monitoring Report. A just transition is essential to support communities facing climate impacts, ensuring access to quality education and economic opportunities. However, education in emergencies remains critically underfunded, receiving less than 3% of humanitarian aid.
Managing Migration in Host Countries
Host countries face challenges in providing education to displaced populations. Only 68% of refugee children are enrolled in primary school, compared to 90% globally, and just 34% of refugee youth access secondary education. Inclusive policies that provide formal schooling, vocational training, and language support are key to helping young migrants integrate and contribute positively. Research shows that every $1 invested in refugee education returns $2 in economic benefits, highlighting the potential for host countries to turn challenges into opportunities.
Strengthening Education Systems in Origin Countries
Education is often overlooked when discussing solutions to forced migration. Economic opportunities and climate resilience take centre stage, but without quality education, young people have few options. Ensuring they have access to learning must be a priority, with sustained funding and political will to make it a meaningful part of long–term development efforts.
Making Education Part of Emergency Response
When crises hit, immediate needs like food and shelter come first—education is often left behind. But for displaced young people, learning is critical. It provides structure, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to shape their future. Education should be included from the start of every humanitarian response, with flexible solutions that meet learners wherever they are.
Looking Ahead
Forced displacement will keep increasing, and education can’t continue to be ignored. It’s central to rebuilding lives and creating opportunities—whether young people return home or put down roots elsewhere. Prioritizing education is the right and smart thing to do for all our futures.
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Put education at center of response to migration crises
A school for refugees in Ethiopia. Image courtesy of UNICEF Ethiopia via Flickr.
February 20, 2025
Reducing involuntary migration requires we address its systemic drivers. But those solutions are long–term, in the meantime education for those in emergencies remains critically underfunded, writes Euan Wilmshurst.
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orced migration is not a choice. Conflict and climate change are forcing millions from their homes, making displacement an unavoidable reality for many. According to UNHCR, over 110 million people were forcibly displaced by mid–2023—the highest number ever recorded. Education plays a critical role in ensuring displaced young people have the opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute to society.
Tackling the Root Causes of Forced Migration
Reducing forced migration requires addressing systemic drivers such as conflict, environmental degradation, and economic instability. Without urgent action, climate–related displacement alone could reach 216 million people by 2050, according to the Global Education Monitoring Report. A just transition is essential to support communities facing climate impacts, ensuring access to quality education and economic opportunities. However, education in emergencies remains critically underfunded, receiving less than 3% of humanitarian aid.
Managing Migration in Host Countries
Host countries face challenges in providing education to displaced populations. Only 68% of refugee children are enrolled in primary school, compared to 90% globally, and just 34% of refugee youth access secondary education. Inclusive policies that provide formal schooling, vocational training, and language support are key to helping young migrants integrate and contribute positively. Research shows that every $1 invested in refugee education returns $2 in economic benefits, highlighting the potential for host countries to turn challenges into opportunities.
Strengthening Education Systems in Origin Countries
Education is often overlooked when discussing solutions to forced migration. Economic opportunities and climate resilience take centre stage, but without quality education, young people have few options. Ensuring they have access to learning must be a priority, with sustained funding and political will to make it a meaningful part of long–term development efforts.
Making Education Part of Emergency Response
When crises hit, immediate needs like food and shelter come first—education is often left behind. But for displaced young people, learning is critical. It provides structure, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to shape their future. Education should be included from the start of every humanitarian response, with flexible solutions that meet learners wherever they are.
Looking Ahead
Forced displacement will keep increasing, and education can’t continue to be ignored. It’s central to rebuilding lives and creating opportunities—whether young people return home or put down roots elsewhere. Prioritizing education is the right and smart thing to do for all our futures.
