Forced Displacement and Peacebuilding

In this chapter the concept of ‘forced displacement/migration’ is first defined and unpacked. Then the intrinsic connections between war and forced migration are examined. While displacement may seem to be ‘collateral damage’ in war, the historical and contemporary record demonstrates that displacement is often done with strategic intent. The chapter outlines the norms and expected practices embedded in international protection regimes and the accompanying search for ‘permanent solutions’ of ‘return, reintegration, or resettlement’ for the displaced. However, the chapter will analyse how the increasing politicisation and securitisation of migration in recent times is eroding these local and international protection frameworks. The chapter ends with reference to cases where sustainable peace practices around forcible displacements have been attempted, to allow us to draw conclusions about how to imagine peacebuilding in response to forced displacement.