From Durable Solutions to Holistic Solutions: Prevention of Displacement in Africa

Abstract

Abstract The problem of internally displaced persons (IDPs) is prevalent in Africa due to conflicts, development projects, man-made as well as natural disasters that are commonplace on the continent. The Kampala Convention, which is an innovative tool, seeks to provide African States with a roadmap towards long-term solutions to prevent and eradicate the causes of displacement. As such, African States, humanitarian agencies, the African Union and other stakeholders should go beyond durable solutions, which are reactive, and pay more attention to proactive strategies to eradicate the factors that lead to displacement. To do this, there is need to adopt a holistic approach to address the question of IDPs on the continent through a three-tiered strategy that includes; firstly, short-term strategy to protect the IDPs by providing safety and security, freedom of movement as well as basic livelihood to the IDPs; secondly, medium-term strategy to restore IDPs’ dignity and ensure adequate living conditions through return, resettlement, (re)integration, reparation, restitution and rehabilitation; and thirdly, long-term strategy to eradicate root causes of displacement and fostering an environment conducive to respect of human rights, rule of law and good governance.