Voice After Exit: Diaspora Advocacy

Diasporas seeking to champion causes for their countries of origin are no longer hindered by distance and isolation, as demonstrated by their influence with government, media, private sectors, and other prominent groups in both countries of origin and of settlement. Migrant communities, organizations, and individuals are increasingly vocal and influential, and while government is their primary target, they also seek to influence international organizations, the media, the private sector, nongovernmental organizations, and other actors.

Emigrants already exercise change when they move from their homelands, and, along with their descendants, show a commitment to continuing to have a voice when they engage in advocacy on issues concerning their country of origin or ancestry. Despite this growing voice, however, diaspora advocacy success hinges on smart policy, rooted in unity, commitment, and focus.

This report provides an overview of diaspora advocacy by looking at five issues: who participates in diaspora advocacy, who or what are the “targets” in these efforts, what means are used to advance these causes, what are the issues on which they focus, and the effectiveness of the efforts.