Resource crisis and aspects of internal displacement

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 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.

International Journal of Social Work and Human Services Practice, 2014

Internal displacements stand out as a major human rights issue in South Asia. The governments in the region find it already hard to cope up with these crucial issues and simultaneously to deal with border security and internal social security issues. These Internally displaced people (IDPs) have lead despondent existence in their environments with restricted provisions and possessions at their disposal. Not having enough skills to compete with the local populations marks their sagas of coping with exploitation with compromised resiliency. Life does not cease but becomes vulnerable evidently letting the people to remain in abject poverty . To address the destitution of IDPs, we argue that mitigation strategies with a human rights' perspective are required and that such perspectives do not sit within the capacity of some of the South Asian countries particularly that of Afghanistan and its immediate neighbor Pakistan. The paper explores the causes, problems and opportunities suggesting options of reintegration and repatriation on their return for including them in the mainstream.