2011年-世界发展银行全球_Forced_Displacement_in_Europe_and_Central_Asia_52页_930kb

Summary of Forced Displacement in Europe and Central Asia

Core Content

Forced displacement in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region is a complex phenomenon that arises from conflict, violence, and human rights violations. It is not only a humanitarian issue but also a significant development challenge. Displaced persons (DPs) face long-term vulnerabilities in areas such as housing, land, employment, access to services, and governance. The paper outlines the characteristics of displacement in the region, the legal framework, and the World Bank's response to these challenges.

Main Points

1. Characteristics of Forced Displacement in ECA

• Nature of Displacement: Displacement is often linked to political conflicts and territorial disputes, creating long-term, protracted situations.
• Types of Displacement: Two main categories exist: refugees (those who cross international borders) and internally displaced persons (IDPs, those displaced within their own country).
• Vulnerabilities: DPs face challenges in recovery of property, access to livelihoods, service delivery, and governance. They may also suffer from psycho-social issues and long-term economic dependence.

2. Development Challenges

• Land, Housing, and Property: Displaced persons often lose their homes and land, and face difficulties in reclaiming or accessing them.
• Livelihoods: Many DPs struggle to re-establish employment and economic stability, especially in protracted displacement scenarios.
• Service Delivery: Access to health, education, and infrastructure is often limited for displaced populations.
• Governance: Governments may fail to provide adequate legal protection, leading to marginalization and lack of accountability.
• Psycho-Social Wellbeing: Displacement can have lasting psychological effects, particularly in protracted situations.

3. Protracted Displacement

• Definition: Protracted displacement refers to situations where durable solutions are stalled or not achieved, often due to political and legal constraints.
• Impact: It leads to long-term social and economic marginalization, and creates a new generation of displaced individuals who may never return to their places of origin.
• Examples: In the Balkans and the Caucasus, many IDPs have been displaced for over 10–35 years without a clear path to return or integration.

4. Politicization of Displacement

• Political Context: Displacement is often a political issue, especially in regions with unresolved territorial disputes.
• Strategic Motives: Governments may use displacement as a tool to alter demographic composition or gain international support.
• Impact on DPs: Displaced persons are sometimes used as political pawns, and their needs are not always addressed due to sovereignty struggles and political reluctance to accept alternative solutions.

5. Legal Framework

• International Documents: The 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1998 Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement are key international instruments.
• Adoption in ECA: Most ECA countries have signed the 1951 Convention, but only some have ratified it. Domestic laws in countries like Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Bosnia and Herzegovina provide a broader range of protections for refugees and IDPs.
• Legal Gaps: Some countries, like Kosovo and Uzbekistan, lack comprehensive domestic legislation, and legal security for IDPs remains a challenge.

6. Trends in Return, Integration, and Resettlement

• Return Options: IDPs and refugees have three main options: return, integration, or resettlement.
• Return Challenges: Return is often hindered by political stalemates, lack of security, landmines, and economic factors. As of 2008, 75% of IDPs in ECA were still unable to return.
• Integration and Resettlement: Governments are increasingly considering integration and resettlement as viable solutions. In some cases, local integration is supported through policies and projects.
• Sustainability: Sustainable return is crucial for development. However, even when return is possible, it does not always ensure long-term stability due to unresolved issues like property rights and employment opportunities.

7. World Bank Response

• Lessons Learned: The World Bank has identified the need for a more integrated approach to displacement, combining humanitarian and development interventions.
• Recommendations: The Bank recommends focusing on legal protection, sustainable livelihoods, service delivery, and governance reforms to support displaced persons and their host communities.

Key Information

• Number of DPs in ECA: As of 2010, an estimated 2.5 million displaced persons were in the ECA region, including 140,000 refugees and 2.4 million IDPs.
• Countries of Concern: The region includes 15 countries experiencing displacement: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Macedonia FYR, Montenegro, the Russian Federation, Serbia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
• Protracted Displacement: Many DPs in ECA have been displaced for over a decade, with some cases lasting up to 35 years.
• Legal Protection: While some countries have strong legal frameworks, others lack comprehensive laws, especially regarding property rights and employment.
• Humanitarian Impact: The 2010 humanitarian crisis in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan highlighted the importance of displacement as a development issue.
• Government Strategies: Some governments are shifting focus from return to integration and resettlement, recognizing the need for sustainable solutions.

Conclusion

Forced displacement in the ECA region presents a multifaceted challenge that requires both humanitarian and development-oriented responses. The paper emphasizes the importance of addressing the legal, social, and economic needs of displaced persons to ensure their well-being and the stability of host communities. It also highlights the need for more inclusive and responsive governance, as well as the role of international organizations like the World Bank in supporting sustainable solutions.