Displacement. How can the international community help displaced people rebuild their lives? Focus on the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Transcription

1 Displacement How can the international community help displaced people rebuild their lives Focus on the Democratic Republic of the Congo

2 displacement As a result of a threat to the lives of you and your family, you have to leave your home and belongings. You walk an extraordinary distance to reach safety with little food and water. You have been separated from some or all of your family and you worry that you might never see them again. You may not speak the language in your new host community and you don t know if you will be welcomed, treated as an outsider, or face discrimination. How would it feel to be displaced Can you imagine being forced to leave your home with nothing more than you are able to carry More than 67 million people are currently displaced worldwide. There are many factors that cause people to become displaced, including conflict, human rights violations, famine, and natural disasters. There are two categories of displaced people: WHO ARE REFUGEES Refugees are people who have fled their homes, crossed an international border, and cannot return because they fear their lives are in danger. People become refugees when one or more of their basic human rights are violated or threatened. Refugees are forced to live outside of their own country and are unable to receive that country s protection. There are currently 16 million refugees worldwide. WHO ARE INTERNALLY DISPLACED PEOPLE (IDPs) IDPs have been forced to flee their homes for the same reasons as refugees, but have not crossed an international border. IDPs live in their countries of origin but are often afraid or unwilling to return home for fear of persecution. Conflict has displaced 26 million people around the world and natural disasters have displaced 25 million people. There are currently 51 million IDPs worldwide. Source: UNHCR, 2008 WHO ARE migrants Migrants are people who voluntarily leave their homes to settle permanently in another region or country. Migrants may be motivated by economic needs or the search for better opportunities. There are an estimated 191 million migrants worldwide. CAMP LIFE Can you imagine growing up in a temporary camp How would it feel to live in one tent with your entire family Each year, 3.7 million refugees and IDPs make their way into camps, where they may stay for many years. What would you do if you were forced to rely on others for survival From the list below, rank your most critical needs on a scale from 1 16: Blankets Buckets & Soap Clean Water Clothing Cooking Pans Cooking Utensils Firewood Food Plates & Cups Schools & Education Health Care & Medicine Housing & Shelter Recreation & Sports Sanitation & Toilets Employment & Training Security & Protection *Source: International Displacement Monitoring Center, 2007; UNHCR, 2008 displacement Whose responsibility is it to protect the rights of displaced people The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees the equal rights of all human beings. The 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the Guiding Principals on Internal Displacement are intended to protect the rights of displaced people. Yet every day, the rights of displaced people are violated. Because IDPs have not crossed an international border, they depend on the authority and protection of their governments, which may have been the cause of their displacement. How can the international community hold governments accountable to ensure that the rights of refugees and IDPs are safeguarded Internally displaced persons shall enjoy, in full equality, the same rights and freedoms under international and domestic law as do other persons in their country. United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement Displacement: a global picture Which region has the highest number of IDPs and refugees Find the answer on the map below: Americas 4.2 million 1 million displaced in america Have you ever been displaced On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina, the most destructive storm in U.S. history, struck Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. By August 31st, up to 80 percent of the city of New Orleans was under water and over 100,000 people were left stranded in the flooded city. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, more than 1,800 people lost their lives, over 1 million people were displaced from their homes, and more than $81 billion was lost in damages. Not all of the affected area has been rebuilt and many displaced people have still not returned home. Source: Brookings Institution, 2008 europe 2.5 million 1.6 million Africa 12.7 million 2.3 million asia 3.1 million 3.8 million Middle east 3.5 million 7.3 million IDPs TOTAL: 26 Million (Figures do not include IDPs displaced by natural disasters) Refugees TOTAL: 16 Million DID YOU KNOW Over 80% of all refugees and IDPs are women and children. Refugees in Burundi, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Angola have been displaced for more than 20 years. Each year, the U.S. resettles more refugees than all primary countries of resettlement* combined. According to the U.N., climate change could cause 25 million to 1 billion people to become displaced by the year *Primary countries of resettlement include Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the U.S. Check CHECK it IT out: OUT Read more about refugees: news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/in_depth/world/2001/road_to_refuge/default.stm Examine global migration: Check CHECK it IT out: OUT Read the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees: Compare it with the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement:

3 democratic republic of congo How does conflict affect displacement DRC Country Information LOCATION: Central Africa CAPITAL: Kinshasa POPULATION: 61 million SIZE: One-quarter of the size of the United States LANGUAGES: French, Kiswahili, Lingala, Tshiluba CHILD MORTALITY RATE: 205 deaths/ 1,000 live births LIFE EXPECTANCY: 46 years RELIGIONS: Christian 80%, Muslim 10%, other 10% ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER: 46% Primary School Enrollment: 52% Literacy rate: 67% POPULATION undernourished: 74% Sources: UNICEF, 2008 & CIA World Factbook, 2008 Did you know There are over 300 languages spoken in the DRC. The DRC is home to almost half of Africa s rainforests, encompassing the second largest rainforest in the world. Bonobos, one of two species of chimpanzees, are only found in the wild in the DRC and only a few thousand remain. There are only 1,400 miles of paved roads in the DRC, compared with 2.6 million miles of paved roads in the U.S. We are going to rule not by the peace of guns and bayonets but by a peace of the heart and the will. Patrice Lumumba, First Prime Minister of the DRC, Independence Day Speech, June 30, 1960 history The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is one of the world s earliest cradles of civilization. There is evidence that people were living in the DRC as early as 2000 B.C. In addition to a rich cultural history, the DRC possesses extraordinary mineral wealth, including diamonds, gold, cobalt, and copper. Although it could be one of the world s wealthiest countries, the DRC has become one of the poorest countries in the world. Much of the country has been destroyed by an exploitative colonial past, followed by decades of political corruption and two devastating wars. Since 1996, armed conflict has taken the lives of over 5.4 million people in the DRC and displaced more than 3.4 million people from their homes. Although the conflict officially ended in 2003, an estimated 1,400 people continue to die each day from conflict-related causes, such as malnutrition and disease. Despite these overwhelming challenges, there is reason for hope. In 2003, a peace agreement was signed and in July 2006, the country held its first democratic elections in 40 years, electing President Joseph Kabila. The government now faces the enormous task of restoring peace, beginning the process of reconciliation, and rebuilding the nation s infrastructure, including homes, schools, roads, bridges, hospitals, and markets. case study from the DRC Is life improving for displaced communities in the DRC The DRC is home to 204,000 refugees who have fled six neighboring countries, including Angola, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Sudan, and the Republic of Congo. More than 1.4 million Congolese are still internally displaced and people continue to flee their homes as a result of the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. In 2008, over 400,000 people were displaced by a resurgence in fighting. Despite the continued instability in the east, stability and peace have been restored throughout most of the country. International organizations such as Concern Worldwide, are providing vital resources and services to help IDPs rebuild their lives. The case study to the right from Concern s team in the DRC demonstrates the incredible resilience of displaced people and the power of community partnership. Did you know There are many active volcanoes in the DRC and the last big eruption took place in 2002, forcing over 500,000 people to flee their homes. The DRC contains 80% of the world s reserves of coltan a mineral used to make electronics, including video game players, cell phones, and computers many claim that the export of coltan has fuelled the country s ongoing conflict. With over 17,000 peacekeepers, the DRC is home to the world s largest United Nations Peacekeeping Mission. child soldiers How have children in the DRC been affected by conflict and displacement An estimated 30,000 child soldiers were identified and removed from the ranks of the government and rebel forces from 2003 to A child soldier is defined as a person under 18 years of age who participates in armed conflict, including combatants, cooks, messengers, and porters. Because of the role played in the conflict, they are often distrusted and feared by community members when they return home. Many child soldiers lose contact with their family and relatives and are forced to fend for themselves in an unfamiliar place. How do you think former child soldiers can be reintegrated into the community MEET ILUNGA Ilunga was born in the village of Kapembe in war-torn Katanga. Before the conflict began, Ilunga was able to meet her family s needs. Although life became very difficult after my husband died, at least we had food and owned chickens, goats, and ducks, she says. In February 2005, Ilunga heard that a rebel group was on its way to her village. She fled with her children and made the journey to a nearby town on foot, taking with her only as much as she could carry. When she was finally able to return to her village in July 2006, she discovered that her house was severely damaged and everything she owned had been stolen or destroyed. Fortunately, Ilunga was able to participate in Concern s resettlement program, which provided 75,000 IDPs with kits containing blankets, clothes, cooking pots, buckets, soap, plastic sheeting, and mosquito nets. Additionally, each family received seeds and tools to grow crops and earn an income. Despite everything Ilunga endured, she expresses hope for the future: Things will improve because the rebels have gone, she says. Now I m back and I m going to stay here forever. Check it out Learn key facts about the DRC: news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/guides/456900/456977/html/default.stm Read in-depth information about child soldiers: Check it out: Read in-depth information about displacement: Learn more about the Nyiragongo volcano:

4 what are some solutions to displacement It can take many years to find durable (long-lasting) solutions to the challenges facing displaced communities. For any solution to be considered durable, displaced communities must have access to these essential resources and services: health care, education, employment, food, water, shelter, and safety. The goal of all durable solutions is to enable individuals to become self reliant. Identifying appropriate durable solutions requires the participation and cooperation of everyone involved, including displaced communities, the United Nations, community leaders, national and local government officials, and international organizations. These are three durable solutions recognized by the U.N.: RETURNING HOME When circumstances enable IDPs or refugees to voluntarily return to their homes, it is important that they are able to return safely and with dignity. LOCAL INTEGRATION Location integration happens when IDPs or refugees are invited to remain permanently where they initially settled after fleeing their homes. When circumstances permit, they can voluntarily integrate into their temporary homes. RESETTLEMENT Resettlement (relocation) is a process that allows IDPs to voluntarily settle in another part of the country or refugees to settle in a new country when they are unable to return to their homes or remain in the place where they initially settled after fleeing their homes. Debate It! Identifying appropriate, durable solutions for displacement is the subject of great debate. Which do you think is the best solution: returning home, local integration, or resettlement Why THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME Returning home is the best solution because it enables IDPs and refugees to rebuild their lives in their homes, where they feel the most comfortable and where they have lived for generations. Returning home protects displaced communities from potential violence and discrimination that they could encounter if they are resettled or locally integrated into their temporary homes. INTEGRATION IS KEY Local integration is the best solution because it enables IDPs and refugees to stay where they have been living since displacement and become integrated into the local community. Local integration provides continuity and stability, enabling displaced communities to begin working and resume their daily activities. NEW HOME OFFERS NEW HOPE Resettlement is the best solution because it is the only way for displaced people to feel secure, enabling individuals to begin a new chapter in their lives and move beyond the pain and suffering they have endured. Since most conflicts today last for extended and indeterminate periods of time, efforts and resources must focus on increasing opportunities for successful resettlement. Source: Will You Listen Young Voices from Conflict Zones, Youth Companion to the Machel Study 10-year Strategic Review, United Nations, 2007 how can the international community help displaced people rebuild their lives We all have one thing in common: Our lives have been affected by armed conflict. That is why, even though we come from different places and our problems are not always the same, we speak with one voice. We have not given up all hope yet. We still want to go to school and play with our friends. We want to help build peace in our societies and make this world a better place. We still have big dreams. Young Voices from Conflict Zones The war had a very negative effect on our lives. I lost my father during the fighting and we were displaced. My father was the supporter of our family and after losing him we felt we had lost everything. I could not go to school after that and my education is still incomplete. Young woman, 14, Afghanistan The armed conflict [may be] finished, but we still have other types of wars poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, youth delinquency, and many more. Young man, 16, Angola When we were living in the IDP camp there were people everywhere in a very small space. It was horrible. Young woman, 13, Sri Lanka When conflict broke out in our community, we fled our homes and it felt like the bullets were chasing us through the woods. Young woman, 17, Philippines What do communities need to rebuild their lives Can you identify the most important needs Read the perspectives below and identify three things each individual needs to rebuild her/his life: My visits to a number of conflict-affected countries have convinced me that for those displaced and victimized by war, our actions matter far more than our words. Their plight has left me with a deep sense of responsibility to ensure that where we cannot prevent armed conflict, the protection of civilians is, and must remain, an absolute priority Displacement, therefore, continues to be one of the principal features of contemporary conflict and arguably the most significant humanitarian challenge that we face. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations

5 references and resources drc Amnesty International all-countries/congo-dem-rep-of/page. doid= Bill Moyers Journal Hope in the Congo /profile.html Human Rights Watch democratic-republic-congo International Crisis Group MONUC Refugees International where-we-work/africa/dr-congo DISPLACEMENT Forced Migration Online Internal Displacement Monitoring Center IRIN NEWS IndepthId=41&ReportId=70979 Nine Million Campaign Refugee Stories UNHCR Game: Against All Odds ORGANIZATIONS International Organization for Migration UNHCR U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants Women s Commission for Refugee Women and Children World Food Program World Refugees concern worldwide us, inc East 40th Street Suite 903 New York, NY South Michigan Avenue, Suite 630 Chicago, IL This publication is intended to educate readers about the issue of displacement and does not necessarily reflect the views of Concern Worldwide U.S. Inc. or Concern Worldwide on this issue. Concern Worldwide does not officially recommend or endorse any of these organizations. Concern Worldwide U.S. Inc. is a New York not-for-profit corporation exempt from Federal income taxation under section 501(c)(3). Concern Worldwide U.S. Inc. supports projects carried out in the field by Concern Worldwide, registered in Ireland. Photo Credits: Front Cover Photo: Michael MacSweeney/Provision. Page 1: Michael MacSweeney/Provision. Page 3: Concern Worldwide. Page 4: Dominic MacSorley. Page 5: Michael MacSweeney/Provision. Back Page: Ed Kenney.