Political participation for social inclusion of internally displaced persons

Iorbo, Rita, Sahni, Sanjeev P., Bhatnagar, Tithi and Andzenge, Dick T. (2024) Political participation for social inclusion of internally displaced persons. Journal of Humanitarian Affairs, 5 (3). pp. 3-11. ISSN 2515-6411

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Abstract

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) have suffered multiple disadvantages and experienced social exclusion due to involuntary movement to new communities where they struggle to find opportunities for social inclusion. This study examined the political dimensions of social inclusion which focus on engaging IDPs in decision-making on issues that concern them. The study used the democratic participatory theory as a framework for political participation through decision-making. The qualitative exploratory study used in-depth interviews to collect data from twelve IDPs, comprising five females and seven males, who were resident in Benue State, Nigeria. Findings show that government does not incorporate the decisions and choices of IDPs when designing humanitarian measures for protection and assistance; IDPs are not communicated with on issues of interest to them; and IPDs lack sustainable opportunities for interaction with host communities. The study concludes that not incorporating the decisions of IDPs in issues of interest to them creates a culture of humanitarian aid dependency. The study recommends democratising solutions by using grassroots bottom-up measures for sustainable social inclusion of IDPs where solutions emerge from IDPs who are the end beneficiaries of the interventions. A discussion of the study findings is followed by concluding recommendations.

Item Type: Article
Keywords: internally displaced persons (IDPs) | political participation | social inclusion | Benue State-Nigeria
Subjects: Social Sciences and humanities > Social Sciences > Social Sciences (General)
Social Sciences and humanities > Social Sciences > Geography
Social Sciences and humanities > Social Sciences > Human Rights
Social Sciences and humanities > Social Sciences > Political Science
Social Sciences and humanities > Social Sciences > Public Administration
JGU School/Centre: Jindal School of International Affairs
Depositing User: Dharmveer Modi
Date Deposited: 17 Oct 2024 15:22
Last Modified: 17 Oct 2024 15:22
Official URL: https://doi.org/10.7227/JHA.112
URI: https://pure.jgu.edu.in/id/eprint/8648

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