The consultation in Pakistan, titled “Consultation on Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons in the Context of Shrinking Humanitarian Space”, was held in on 13 December. Politicians, lawyers, journalists and human rights activists comprised the 20 participants. Following an…
In Sri Lanka, the consultation involved about 30 people from both NGOs and INGOs. All of the invitees had some experience working in the field of displacement, and efforts were made to involve a wide range of experts in…
The National Consultation on Making the Parliament Accountable, Transparent and Human Rights Responsive took place on 20th February 2012, bringing together parliamentarians, academics and human rights activists. The participants focused on ten major areas of concern including integrity mechanisms,…
In Nepal, the National Consultation for Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons was held on 26th August, with around 50 attendees representing conflict victims, human rights activists, civil society leaders, academics, and students. The Chief Guest was the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, Rt. Hon. Kedar Nath Upadhyay. With many people displaced during the recent conflict in Nepal, and a solution largely yet resolved for them, the consultation was a very appropriate one. Sessions focused on the background to the consultation – including SAHR’s work on IDPs, the Deng Principles – as well as IDP issues unique to Nepal, and ways that the Deng Principles could be operationalised in the country. Recommendations included the need to obtain more accurate data on IDPs in the country, awareness raising among the general public about IDPs and the problems they face, safeguards to ensure return and resettlement, and the need for a greater role for civil society in aiding IDPs.
The Indian consultation was held on 17th July and drew participants from civil society, including lawyers, journalists, academics, and other human rights activists. Discussions centred around the Deng Principles, as well as the particular plight of development and conflict-induced…
The Bangladeshi consultation, held on 15th May 2012, involved human rights activists and academics. Key issues raised at the consultation, included the need to incorporate the concerns of IDPs into the policy making process of relevant ministries, as well…