A recent report from a United Nations expert has highlighted concerns over how reconstruction efforts, especially in conflict zones, may inadvertently entrench the crisis of internal displacement. Paula Gaviria Betancur, the UN special rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons, cautioned that reconstruction choices are pivotal in determining whether millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) can truly rebuild their lives or remain in perpetual limbo. In her report, she emphasizes that many nations are undertaking rebuilding activities despite ongoing violence, which complicates efforts to offer durable solutions to the rising numbers of IDPs.
The legal framework governing the rights of IDPs includes both international and humanitarian laws, such as the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. These guidelines stress the importance of creating conditions that allow voluntary and safe returns, underscoring that IDPs should have a voice in these reconstruction processes.
Betancur points out that a focus on merely physical reconstruction without attention to the socio-economic fabric of affected communities can deepen the displacement crisis. The Sendai Framework promotes the concept of “building back better.” This encompasses not just the rebuilding of infrastructure, but also the rejuvenation of economic opportunities and the reinforcement of public institutions, thereby ensuring that affected individuals can rebuild their lives without the threat of further displacement.
The scale of reconstruction that countries are currently attempting is unprecedented. With the increasing frequency of both conflicts and natural disasters, UN member states are working towards the development of a legally binding framework to protect people during such events, aiming for completion by the end of 2027. More information on these reconstruction challenges and their implications is available in detail here.
In the current global landscape, balancing immediate reconstruction needs with long-term human rights considerations remains a critical challenge. The insights from the UN special rapporteur remind international and local governments alike that a rights-based approach to reconstruction, which looks beyond the physical rebuilding, is crucial in addressing and ultimately resolving the ongoing displacement crisis.