UNRRA, IRO & Allied Repatriation Policies
UNRRA, IRO & Allied Repatriation Policies is a focused IBDP History worksheet that helps students understand how governments and international organisations responded to mass displacement after the Second World War. By 1945, over 11 million displaced persons were spread across Europe. Allied authorities prioritised repatriation, while organisations such as UNRRA and later the IRO worked to manage camps, provide relief, and develop longer-term resettlement solutions. This lesson guides students through these responses using clear explanations, historical sources, and a short video clip.
Students begin with structured content explaining how displaced persons were processed, including transport systems, DP camps, and the challenges of repatriation. They then analyse a series of sources (A–E), including extracts from Tony Judt, the Harrison Report, Nicholas Bethell, the IRO constitution, and President Truman. A short video clip (A Day of Deliverance) supports understanding of the role of NGOs in DP camps. Each activity builds directly towards Paper 1 skills by focusing on content, context, and perspectives.
What students will learn
Students will:
- Understand how displaced persons were processed after 1945
- Identify the role of UNRRA in relief and camp management
- Explain how the IRO shifted the response towards resettlement
- Recognise differences between Western and Soviet approaches
- Analyse source content, context, and perspectives
- Develop evidence-based responses to enquiry questions
What’s included
- Student worksheet with structured explanatory content
- Source-based activities using five historical sources (A–E)
- Short-answer and extended response questions aligned to Paper 1
- Class discussion and paired analysis tasks
- Short video clip (A Day of Deliverance)
- Lined pages for extended written responses
- Teacher answer sheet with concise guidance
- Curriculum alignment
This resource is particularly useful for:
- IB DP History – Paper 1 (Sources and Perspectives)
- 2028 Syllabus: Focused Study 4 – Conflict and displacement
- Inquiry Question 2: What was the national and international response to displacement?
This UNRRA, IRO & Allied Repatriation Policies worksheet gives students a strong foundation in post-war displacement while helping teachers deliver a structured, exam-focused lesson with minimal preparation.
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Resource Information
| Description: | Student activities include individual and partner work analysing five historical sources, engaging in class discussion, watching a short video, answering Paper 1 style questions, and developing evidence-based responses using content, context and perspectives. |
| Estimated lessons: | 2-3. |
| Ages | 16 years +. |
| Format | PDF. |
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