Each year, World Refugee Day reminds us that behind the statistics are people — people who are building, adapting and leading, even after being forced from their homes.
Too often, the stories of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) are told through a lens of loss. Make it Happen invites us to see something more: possibility, power, and quiet determination.
This campaign celebrates the resilience and creativity of displaced people across Africa. They are not waiting for change. They are making it happen.
Understanding Displacement: The Bigger Picture
Displacement is not always about crossing borders. It is about being uprooted from home, often with little warning and no choice.
- Refugees are individuals who flee their countries due to conflict, violence or persecution and seek safety across international borders.
- Internally displaced persons (IDPs) face similar threats but remain within their own countries.
In Sudan, conflict since April 2023 has created one of the largest displacement crises globally. Over 8.1 million people are internally displaced, and more than 3.1 million have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.
In Rwanda, over 134,000 refugees and asylum seekers are hosted, mostly from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi. Despite its size, Rwanda continues to model inclusive support for displaced people — through access to services, education and opportunities to rebuild.
Practical Action works in both contexts, helping displaced people build livelihoods, adapt with dignity and lead change in their communities.
