Exploring the place of diaspora members and newcomers in humanitarian partnerships

In the Netherlands, a sizeable Syrian diaspora community has formed. Over the past few months, I’ve spoken with humanitarian workers- both within and outside the Syrian diaspora in the Netherlands- about how Dutch NGOs engage with Syrian civil society actors.

These conversations focused on how Dutch NGOs operate in relation to Syria, common misconceptions about Syrians, and the potential contributions of diaspora communities and newcomers to Dutch–Syrian partnerships. This blog shares insights from these discussions, highlighting the role that newcomers and diaspora members can play in shaping relationships between international and local actors.

Many interviewees described feeling overlooked, despite believing they can contribute meaningfully to strengthening Dutch-Syrian humanitarian partnerships. One recurring issue was the stigma that Syrian newcomers are uneducated. As one interviewee put it, it is important to ‘dispel the idea that those displaced are not educated’, noting that many Syrians are ‘really highly educated’ and bring significant skills and knowledge.

This level of education and contextual understanding represents an underused resource for Dutch and European NGOs. Organisations often invest substantial time, funding, and training into understanding the communities they aim to support, yet they frequently overlook people who already hold that knowledge and could provide crucial insight.

Syrian newcomers and diaspora members can play a constructive role as cultural brokers within Dutch-Syrian partnerships. Their lived experiences and familiarity with Syrian communities allow them to contribute to more context-specific and culturally appropriate project proposals. Several interviewees suggested advisory boards of Syrian newcomers and diaspora members as one practical mechanism to strengthen proposal development.

Another issue raised was the limited Syrian input, particularly in leadership positions, within Dutch NGOs’ Syria programmes. Language requirements and organisational culture were identified as the main barriers to entry. Interviewees recommended clearer access pathways, including language support and targeted outreach to individuals with relevant experience.

At the same time, participants emphasised the need to recognise distinctions between Syrians in the diaspora and those inside Syria. Several NGO staff pointed to complex social dynamics between the two groups. In some cases, tensions arise when those who remained in Syria feel they have borne the brunt of the conflict, while viewing returning diaspora members as not fully comprehending the consequences of their absence and the recent developments.

Diaspora members’ ambiguous position- neither fully insider nor outsider -further shapes this dynamic. One participant noted that this status can be an asset, enabling diaspora members to navigate both contexts. However, it also raises questions about representativeness and the extent to which their perspectives reflect priorities inside Syria.

The role of diaspora members and newcomers in the humanitarian sector is therefore nuanced. While they offer important cultural insight and the ability to bridge communities, their involvement should complement rather than replace direct consultation with actors inside Syria.

At the same time, their potential must not be understated. To ensure that their organisations are more inclusive and representative, NGOs should actively work to establish accessible entry points for Syrian diaspora members and newcomers. Increasing Syrian representation, at every level, leads to better contextually informed programs and more effective humanitarian action.