Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons: Challenges in eastern Chad

Overview

Between 2005 and 2007, a combination of regional conflict and national crisis led to the internal displacement of about 180,000 people in eastern Chad. However, the situation has since changed. By March 2012, when this report was produced, incursions by the Janjaweed militia and conflict between government forces and Chadian rebels had largely ended. The Chadian government is now seeking to put an end to the distinction between displaced persons and host communities. Internally displaced persons currently have the choice between three solutions: local integration, relocation or voluntary return to their home village. The goal of this joint report is to reflect on the decisive actions that could provide durable solutions for displacement, taking into account the rights and needs of affected communities. Even if the causes of the initial displacement have now been contained, creating the right set of circumstances for long-term sustainable development still remains a challenge. The Chadian government has publicly recognized that it is responsible for setting up an appropriate framework for durable solutions, ensuring security, rule of law, respect for human rights and access to basic services; however, very little has yet been done by the government to make this a reality.