Development-Induced Displacement and Resettlement: Bridging Research and Practice, Filling the Knowledge Gaps

DIDR is a post-graduate student-led conference convened by the DIDR Organisation Team and hosted by the Refugee Studies Centre. Papers will be selected by the Academic Committee composed of the present and former directors of the RSC.

There is virtually no limit to what can be called a development project. It can range from a small-scale infrastructure or mining project to a mega hydropower plant construction; can be public or private, well-planned or rushed into. Land-based development initiatives may and often do cause physical and economic displacement that results in impoverishment and disempowerment of affected populations. Despite decades of experience and study on development-induced displacement and resettlement, the severity of the problem persists, with its adverse impacts not yet being effectively addressed.

DIDR has been intensifying in frequency and scope propelled by the increasing needs of growing populations and globalisation, whereas the discussions on the subject have become disproportionately scant. Different interests and ethical considerations pull the academia, private and civil sectors apart, creating inescapable traps and sources of bias in research, policy and practice. This disconnection manifests itself in the knowledge gaps. Whilst controversies in policy-making and practice remain understudied, academic findings endure unincorporated.

This conference aims to revive the discussions on DIDR and to facilitate critical engagement with the current impasse. It will facilitate cross-communication between different stakeholders, disciplines and perspectives; and will seek to bridge research and practice with a view to fill the knowledge gaps and move the DIDR studies forward.

Call for papers

The conference invites papers that will contribute to reviving the discussions on development-induced displacement and resettlement. In view of the conference theme, “bridging research and practice, filling the knowledge gaps”, papers facilitating cross-communications between different stakeholders, disciplines and perspectives are very much welcome.

As a forum for critical reflections on the current practice and policies, the conference encourages presenters to engage in discussions on the least studied aspects and unanswered questions of DIDR. How much is enough to compensate an oustee for example, or what is a successful resettlement? How do we define the affected populations in the urban? How can we “re”settle mobile populations that are not settled in the first place? Should the affected people have the right to veto the projects?

For further information and guidance, visit the DIDR website.