Consequences of involuntary relocations that affect the process of recovery: A literature review

Lately, the growing number of refugees has captured the world’s attention enormously. However, the even greater number of Internally displaced persons (IDPs), who have been forced to flee their homes but, remain within the boundaries of their own country, did not attract much attention of the world. The results of internal displacement not only affect the IDPs themselves. It also has an impact on the government, local authorities, and the host community in whose neighbourhood the displaced people are relocated.

Most of the times, the government or relevant local authorities relocate IDPs in a different location to safeguard them against the negative effects of disruptive events. Generally, involuntary relocations aim at improving the lives of IDPs. However, it often acts only as a temporary relief and fails to ensure their long-term modes of livelihood. Accordingly, this paper aims to analyse different dimensions of factors that slow the process of recovery.

This study was conducted through a comprehensive literature review to investigate the research question: ‘What are the challenges and obstacles faced by the communities during involuntary relocations?’ Number of studies provide evidences to the effect that the incompatible integration of communities that have been built upon different economic status, social settings and physical aspects could act as stressors in the recovery process. For example, social disintegration and severe impoverishment are some of the immediate consequences of involuntary displacements, which affect the economy of the region. Therefore, the importance of collaboration between the host and displaced communities needs to be drawn upon in addressing the economic, social, cultural and physical consequences of involuntary relocation projects.