The future of resettlement and development

Abstract

This concluding chapter summarizes the key findings of the book and highlights the state of involuntary displacement and resettlement, informed by case studies from over a dozen Asian countries. The new laws, prescribed and enforced in the country context, are surely a ‘first big step’ in terms of access to just and fair compensation and resettlement. However, the country case studies demonstrate the ongoing challenges and struggles associated with social and resettlement risk assessments, the social and cultural exclusion of indigenous/vulnerable groups in some countries, and the lack of institutional capacity to adequately deal with resettlement management and administration, particularly the non-titled, adequacy and timing of compensation payments, livelihoods and community rebuilding in post-relocation period. Our review and analysis of the comparative case studies clearly suggest the need to rebuilding the country safeguard systems aimed at further refinements of legal frameworks over the coming years, based on planning and implementation practices and outcomes. The current weak institutional capacity for resettlement planning, implementation and management must be strengthened as the ‘second big step’ agenda for country systems to succeed.