|Resettlement of Displaced Population - 1st Edition (DHA/UNDRO - DMTP - UNDP, 1995, 60 p.)|
Unfortunately no magical strategies can assure the "settledness" of people who have been displaced, or can "solve" the problems of their non-displaced neighbors. The development of a nurturing environment requires long-term commitments of everyone who is willing to contribute. Clearly, the resettled people themselves must define and shape their own lives.
International assistance can aid the recovery of people affected by conflict, crisis and disasters and contribute to reconciliation and peace. Much remains to be learned about the methods of providing assistance with the fewest negative consequences. Based on the strategies outlined above, the following principles are suggested:
· Because recovery and resettlement of displaced people is intricately tied to social, political, economic, religious, security and cultural conditions in the resettlement location, international assistance may be required to strengthen these systems. To provide humanitarian assistance, support basic rights and promote peace, commitment is needed to develop just, equitable and viable systems.
· No single strategy can address all concerns. A variety of approaches are needed to ensure that personal and community resources are available to support recovery.
· Any recovery program which adopts a strategy to centralize or control recovery efforts, resources or decision-making is likely to stymie recovery. Recovery is most likely to occur when there is a convergence of resources, actors, and human effort.
· While special consideration must be given to needs of vulnerable groups, including displaced people, strategies for assisting in recovery are generally most constructive if based on need rather than the type of displacement.
· Two principle factors seem to underlie the success of resettlement: 1) the success of settlers securing a livelihood, and 2) the extent of their participation in the events that shape their lives.