Displacement can be caused by a number of factors, including conflict, natural disaster and development. Most donor and NGO policy appears to focus on conflict-induced and natural disaster-induced displacement. Multilateral agencies, however, have generated more comprehensive guidelines and principles to address issues relating to development-induced displacement and resettlement, most likely as a result of their larger involvement in this area.
The report finds that bilateral donors and NGOs do not have specific policies relating to social safeguards on development-induced displacement. Multilateral organisations have more comprehensive guidelines in place. These put an emphasis on prevention and alternatives to resettlement as the first option to be considered. Where this is not possible they call for the minimisation of displacement, adequate compensation, participation of the displaced population in the planning process, adequate courses of redress and the establishment of alternative livelihood strategies.
