Evidence on internal displacement in Afghanistan: In search of dignified life, durable solutions, and sustainable development for the Afghan internally displaced people

Kamruzzaman, Palash and Williams, Kate and Wardak, Ali and Cowley, Laura and Ayobi, Yaseen and Zadran, Alef-Shah and Kabir, Ehsan (2022) Evidence on internal displacement in Afghanistan: In search of dignified life, durable solutions, and sustainable development for the Afghan internally displaced people. [Report]

Abstract

This research offers a detailed account of Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs) experiences of violence in Afghanistan and how/whether this has contributed to the loss of their dignity. The field research highlights what realistic changes would make a positive difference to leading safe and peaceful lives for IDPs in Afghanistan. In essence they need to be treated with dignity, justice and equality and be supported out of poverty and to re-build their lives and positive communities. In doing so, it is necessary to recognise and address issues that are important to the dignity and well-being of those being helped. It is thus imperative to understand what the IDPs perceive as dignity (or its loss) and how it underpins their calls for supporting their future. The main objectives of this research focused on understanding: • causes of displacement and IDPs displacement journeys; • the socioeconomic conditions IDPs are living in, and the impact of displacement on their physical and psychological wellbeing; • conceptualisations of dignity from both IDPs and humanitarian aid actors and government workers • the impact of both displacement and of assistance on the dignity of IDPs; • actors’ experiences of providing assistance; • ways in which the dignity of IDPs might be improved; and • how to begin to deliver durable solutions which are meaningful to IDPs. Dignity, as defined by the IDPs, is central to this study (compare chapter 2 with chapter 5). This research focuses on the voices of the IDPs in setting out their past journeys (chapters 1 and 3) and future aspirations (chapter 7) and how best to support them now (chapters 4, 5 and 6) and to improve their long-term well-being (Chapter 7). This research adds to the existing dignity and displacement scholarship by: (1) providing a deeper, more nuanced approach to the conceptualisation of dignity by taking account of different perspectives both from within the affected community and from those working to support them, such as donors, INGOs, and government; (2) taking into account the conceptualization of dignity from the perspectives of the IDPs, including the cultural, linguistic, geographic and religious aspects which may have formed those values and ideals of dignity; (3) offering an in-depth understanding of the situation, context and experiences from different perspectives, from the viewpoint of: displaced people (both men and women from various areas of Afghanistan); field staff working directly in day-to-day operation in the affected communities; senior members of international organisations; and local or national government representatives who might provide strategic and policy insights.