Challenges of IDP Protection in Afghanistan

Padova University , 2023

The phenomenon of urban internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Afghanistan, especially in cities like Kabul, poses a significant and multifaceted challenge. IDPs in these urban areas often reside in informal camps or integrate into host communities, resulting in segregated and densely populated settlements that underscore the harsh realities of displacement. The management of urban IDPs is further complicated by inconsistent definitions and identification criteria used by various agencies and organizations, coupled with Afghanistan's diverse cultural, economic, and political contexts. Despite significant efforts to establish a robust legal and regulatory framework for addressing forced migration, the Afghan government's focus on resettlement strategies has not effectively met the broader needs of urban IDPs or aligned with the objectives of the Framework for Durable Solutions and the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement. This study examines the complexities of urban IDPs in Kabul, assessing the historical context and the effectiveness of current policies. It identifies the shortcomings of the resettlementcentric approach, which often fails to address the aspirations of IDPs for local integration and does not adequately reduce their displacement-specific needs over time. Despite the government's strides in clarifying roles and responsibilities among entities dealing with IDPs, and in developing legal instruments, the fragmented approach among humanitarian and development agencies, coupled with limited resources, has hindered the implementation of sustainable, long-term solutions. By analyzing Kabul as a case study, this research provides critical insights into the challenges faced by urban IDPs and the inadequacies of current policies. It highlights the need for a shift towards more inclusive strategies that consider local integration and sustainable livelihoods, aiming to guide policymakers in creating effective, durable solutions for IDPs in Afghanistan's urban settings.

Padova University, 2024

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have become a defining feature of global humanitarian crises, particularly in Afghanistan where decades of conflict have displaced millions. Despite international attention and aid efforts, the plight of IDPs, especially in urban contexts like Kabul, remains inadequately understood and addressed. This study focuses on elucidating the livelihood strategies and challenges faced by urban IDPs, who often reside in informal settlements and face significant barriers to sustainable living. The research explores the nuanced identities and livelihood realities of IDPs both inside Charahi Qambar camp and dispersed throughout Kabul's 7th district. By employing qualitative methods including in-depth interviews and field surveys conducted intermittently from early 2019 to late 2020, the study investigates how urban IDPs organize their livelihoods, navigate vulnerabilities, and access resources compared to camp-residing IDPs. In urban settings, IDPs encounter multifaceted challenges such as limited access to livelihood assets, exclusion from formal assistance due to lack of registration, and ambiguous legal and policy frameworks. These challenges underscore the need for tailored interventions that acknowledge the diverse strategies IDPs employ to sustain themselves amidst adversity. By shedding light on the experiences and perspectives of urban IDPs, this research aims to inform policy and humanitarian interventions that promote sustainable livelihoods and enhance the resilience of displaced populations in urban Afghanistan. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing targeted strategies that address the unique needs and aspirations of urban IDPs, contributing to broader discussions on displacement, urbanization, and humanitarian assistance. This study contributes to the discourse on IDP livelihoods by providing empirical insights into the daily realities and adaptive strategies of urban IDPs, thereby advocating for policies that foster inclusive development and protect the rights and dignity of all displaced persons in Afghanistan.

nelly nelson , 2019

2014

Padova Univeristy, Padova, Italy , 2023

The phenomenon of urban internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Afghanistan, particularly in major cities like Kabul, presents a complex and multifaceted challenge. In Kabul, IDPs are often settled in informal camps or integrated into host communities, creating segregated and compact settlements that reflect the harsh realities of displacement. Understanding and managing these urban IDPs is complicated by varying definitions and criteria used by different agencies and organizations. This complexity is compounded by Afghanistan's diverse cultural behaviors, economic conditions, and political influences. The lack of clarity and consistency in defining and identifying IDPs hinders effective policy implementation and aid distribution. Despite significant efforts, durable solutions for urban IDPs in Afghanistan remain elusive, partly due to inadequate strategies and the fragmented approach among humanitarian and development agencies. This study delves into the intricate dynamics of urban IDPs in Afghanistan, exploring historical patterns since 1978, the terminologies employed by government and international bodies, and the challenges faced in achieving sustainable solutions. The limited resources concerning the protection of IDPs impact the formation of settlements. The presence of informal settlements in urban contexts and a lack of identification and statistics on IDPs scattered throughout cities are two significant barriers to recognizing IDPs in urban contexts. It is also difficult to distinguish between forced migrants and those who have found a long-term solution (Hynes, 2021). The research attempts to clarify the various definitions of IDPs as well as ways for identifying this group and their livelihoods in urban settings in-depth interviews, and field surveys.

The paper highlights the situation of IDPs as a vulnerable group and the limits of humanitarian action in preventing and resolving displacement. Given the increasing number of IDPs in the world and the protracted nature of displacement there is a need to address the gaps that continue to limit their protection. What distinguishes the internally displaced from other categories of concern are the particular needs and vulnerabilities that arise as a result of forced displacement. In this context the search for any durable solutions for IDPs should be understood as a complex process that addresses difficulties related to human rights issues, humanitarian, development, reconstruction and peacebuilding. A durable solution to displacement requires a human security approach that builds on the efforts and capabilities of IDPs. When the state is unable or unwilling to fulfill its responsibility the role of the international community is critical. It is necessary for professionals and academics to better understand the precise impact of the idea of sovereignty as responsibility and a rights-based protection approach on current international politics.