A multitude of ethnic tensions and hostilities has resulted in substantial population displacements in the countries of the former Soviet Union. Some 25 million Russians live beyond the borders of the Russian Federation, and nearly 70 million people live outside the republic of their ethnic origin. With over 130 ethnic groups in the former Soviet Union, and nationalism, secessionist movements, and discriminatory measures in evidence, the potential for further dislocation is enormous. Official systems responsible for meeting the needs of those forced to flee are embryonic and easily overwhelmed. Resources in the independent sector are diffused, and nongovernmental organizations are still in formation. In the meantime, suffering and loss of life continue.

The Forced Migration Projects are action-oriented programs that monitor circumstances in the 15 countries that emerged or re-emerged after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, in order to warn of forced movements and identify conditions that may cause such dislocations, including armed conflict, human rights violations, economic underdevelopment, environmental  degradation, and other failures of governance.  The Forced Migration Projects seek to encourage early humanitarian responses to migration emergencies, advocate humane treatment and protection of the rights of those unable to return, and promote measures aimed at averting people's need to flee.

Working toward a complete, interactive advocacy network involving each of the countries of the former Soviet Union and the former Yugoslavia, the Forced Migration Projects have appointed consultants in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Slovenia, and Yugoslavia, while developing advisory and liaison relationships with governments and international organizations concerned with the region. The Forced Migration Projects have undertaken numerous missions to the region as well as a variety of efforts to promote better understanding of regional migration issues.

While much of the work of the Forced Migration Projects has focused on the former Soviet Union and the former Yugoslavia, other initiatives, particularly in the Americas, have also been undertaken.