Kevin Loeb is a Managing Director for Strategy, Learning and Evaluation at the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. Previously, he was a program director at the Foundation. Graduate of Lehigh University, Mr. Loeb has had an extensive career in government. He has worked for the Governor Martin O’Malley as a Special Assistant to the Homeland Security Advisor and later as a Field Director. Mr. Loeb was a Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the Office of Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown. He then became a Director of the Office of Government, Legislative, and Community Affairs at the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Mr. Loeb worked at the Office of the Baltimore County Executive as a Policy Director and then Chief of Staff. He was also a Deputy Director of Budget and Finance at the Baltimore County Government before stepping into the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.
Mr. Loeb stays active in the community. He was a Commissioner at the Baltimore City Community Relations Commission. He is a board member of the Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence and the Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs. He also participates in Bike to the Beach for Autism campaign since 2008.
Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!
At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.
The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.
Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.
International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.
It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.
