OPPORTUNITIES FOR REDUCING INTERNAL DISPLACEMENT AND MEETING LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES
Despite the highly localised and context-specific nature of each displacement situation, a few general conclusions can be drawn. Clearly, more international efforts are required to facilitate the solution of the issue of the return of IDPs pand refugees to their homes through peace negotiations. The lack of progress in several such negotiations designed to address the issue of unresolved conflicts in world requires a firm stance and mobilisation on the part of the international community to find peaceful solutions.
More investment in assessing protracted displacement and what constitutes “durable solutions” is required.
Data availability poses a limitation in many contexts of displacement. Investing in focal points within local authorities and in systems for systematically recording new displacement can fill some of the existing gaps. Data collection is only a first, but an important step in accounting for and becoming accountable for all IDPs. This includes accounting for new displacement (movements) in the context of conflict and violence, disasters and development projects, and recording the number of people living in displacement at a given point in time. It also includes applying existing and developing appropriate standards for data collection and analysis on internal displacement, support for which can be provided by international partners. However, beyond the more technical approaches in support of durable solutions, investments are mostly needed in peaceful resolution of the conflicts still underlying a number of displacement situations in the region. The option of safe and dignified of IDPs to their areas of origin as a matter of choice will only be available if lasting political solutions are found. Leadership and participation of the displaced is paramount.
Evidence shows that the involvement and even leadership of those displaced are central to the success of urban planning and service provision. Community-led data collection, needs assessments and risk analysis (in informal settlements, at risk neighbourhoods and other urban areas) have shown success in facilitating sustainable approaches to urban integration and resettlement efforts.
Local authority action to raise awareness regarding the situation and rights of IDPs is essential
As with refugees and migrants, the political stance taken by local or regional elected representatives in promoting the inclusion of displaced persons in local life plays an important role in shaping how local communities perceive and react to the presence of IDPs.
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