Mainstreaming displacement in development policies: An analysis of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu approaches

• Published date: 01 April 2023
• Author: Joanna Endacott,Shawkat Alam
• Date: 01 April 2023
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1111/reel.12474

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Mainstreaming displacement in development policies: An

analysis of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu approaches

Joanna Endacott | Shawkat Alam

Macquarie Law School, Macquarie University,

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Correspondence

Joanna Endacott, Macquarie Law School,

Macquarie University, Sydney, New South

Wales, Australia.

Email: joanna.endacott93@gmail.com

Abstract

Pacific Small Island Developing States are uniquely vulnerable to climate disasters due

to their geography and capacity to address disaster, displacement and development

challenges. Climate disasters often trigger internal displacement. Long-term recovery

responses are adhoc and unsustainable, often resultingin protracted displacementthat

undermines development progress. As displacement poses cross-sectoral challenges, a

development policy approach encourages integrated, durable solutions for internally

displaced persons and host communities. This article advocatesfor mainstreaming dis-

placement into development policy rather than treating it as a distinct policy issue. The

article outlines the role of international law in guiding national displacement practices

and analyse the policy experiences of Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. Vanuatu has

experienced widespread disaster displacement events, and the Solomon Islands have

seen communities permanently relocate due to climate change. The article examines

governance and institutional barriersinhibiting effective policy design andimplementa-

tion. It concludes that mainstreaming displacement into development policies will pro-

mote integrated,inclusive and sustainable solutionsfor protracted displacement.

1|INTRODUCTION

Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) are disproportionately

vulnerable to climate disasters. Their small size makes disaster events

all-encompassing, and PSIDS have limited capacity to address many of

the governance, logistical and human development challenges associ-

ated with a disaster event. To date, over 50 000 Pacific Islanders are

in danger of disaster displacement each year.

1

Traditionally, coordi-

nated displacement responses focus on temporary or planned reloca-

tions as a subset of disaster management, risk reduction and climate

change adaptation. Less attention is given to the recovery phase for

extended displacement experiences, especially protracted displace-

ment. Ad hoc and unsustainable responses are employed, with dis-

placement and development being treated as distinct policy issues.

This distinct treatment can overlook ongoing protection for internally

displaced persons (IDPs) during displacement recovery.

This article argues that internal displacement and national devel-

opment priorities should be treated as integrated policy issues. Main-

streaming internal displacement into development policies will

promote coordinated and holistic recovery responses, as well as

increase the resilience of vulnerable and host communities. Underde-

velopment exacerbates vulnerability before, during and after displace-

ment for IDPs.

2

A development approach minimizes risk factors and

demographic shock that can undermine IDPs' self-reliance and a

state's development progress. Development projects and interven-

tions can support inclusive, strategic and sustainable solutions to

reduce protracted displacement.

Section 2showcases the benefits of mainstreaming internal dis-

placement into development policy to aid durable solutions for IDPs in

1

Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, ‘Pacific Response to Disaster Displacement’

(2019) <www.internal-displacement.org/sites/default/files/brochure_prdd_final_260520_

min_v2.pdf>.

2

Department of Economic and Social Affairs, ‘Climate Change Link to Displacement of Most

Vulnerable Clear’(22 April 2021) <https://sdgs.un.org/news/climate-change-link-

displacement-most-vulnerable-clear-33087>; S Fan, ‘Break the Vicious Circle of

Underdevelopment, Climate Change and Refugee Crisis’(International food Policy Research

Institute, 28 December 2015) <www.ifpri.org/blog/break-vicious-circle-underdevelopment-

climate-change-and-refugee-crisis>.

Received: 1 March 2022 Accepted: 15 October 2022

DOI: 10.1111/reel.12474

136 © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. RECIEL. 2023;32:136–148.wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/reel