Durable Solutions

What is a Durable Solution [1]?

A durable solution is achieved when internally displaced persons no longer have any specific assistance and protection needs that are linked to their displacement and can enjoy their human rights without discrimination on account of their displacement. It can be achieved through: 

• Sustainable reintegration at the place of origin (“return”); 
• Sustainable local integration in areas where internally displaced persons take refuge (local integration); 
• Sustainable integration in another part of the country (settlement elsewhere in the country) 

The primary responsibility to provide durable solutions for IDPs needs to be assumed by the national authorities. International humanitarian and development actors have complementary roles. National and local authorities, humanitarian and development actors need to work together to effectively support IDPs and set up a rights-based process so that: 

• IDPs are in a position to make an informed and voluntary decision on the durable solution they would like to pursue; 
• They participate in the planning and management of the durable solution so that their needs and rights are considered in recovery and development strategies; 
• They have safe, unimpeded and timely access to all actors supporting the achievement of durable solutions including non-governmental and international humanitarian or development actors; 
• They have access to effective mechanisms that monitor the process and the conditions on the ground 
• In situations of displacement resulting from conflict or violence, they are at least indirectly involved in peace processes and peacebuilding efforts and such efforts reinforce durable solutions.  

Processes to support a durable solution should be inclusive and involve, on the basis of full equality, all parts of the displaced population, including women, children (in accordance with their age and level of maturity), persons with special needs and persons who are potentially marginalized. 

A number of criteria determine to what extent a durable solution has been achieved. IDPs who have achieved a durable solution will enjoy without discrimination: 

• Long-term safety, security and freedom of movement; 
• An adequate standard of living, including at a minimum access to adequate food, water, housing, health care and basic education; 
• Access to employment and livelihoods; 
• Access to effective mechanisms that restore their housing, land and property or provide them with compensation. 

It might also be necessary for IDPs to benefit, without discrimination, from the following:  

• Access to and replacement of personal and other documentation; 
• Voluntary reunification with family members separated during displacement; 
• Participation in public affairs at all levels on an equal basis with the resident population; 
• Effective remedies for displacement-related violations, including access to justice, reparations and information about the causes of violations. 

Global Frameworks & Guidance

Key Global Standards (see resources below) 

• IASC Framework on Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons – outlines what durable solutions are, key principles, steps of a rights-based process, and criteria to determine to what extent a durable solution has been achieved 
• Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement – drawing on existing international law, the right of internally displaced persons to a durable solution is articulated in Principles 28-30 

The UN Secretary General’s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement (2022) was put in place as a follow up to the report and recommendations made by the High-Level Panel on Internal Displacement (2019 – 2022). It will inform the UN’s approach to durable solutions at global and country level. The Action Agenda has three goals – on durable solutions, protection and assistance, and prevention of new displacement crises. For durable solutions it outlines: necessity of ensuring strong and inclusive participation of IDPs and local communities; leadership by national and local authorities (emphasizing that the state is the primary duty-bearer to facilitate sustainable solutions); UN engagement on solutions, with strengthened engagement of development actors and UN Resident Coordinators responsible for ensuring coordination of solutions efforts at country level; improved systems for data on internal displacement; financing; and engagement of the private sector.  

The Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus (sometimes referred to as the ‘triple nexus’) is a collective effort by humanitarian, development and, where relevant and appropriate, peacebuilding actors to recognize the interaction between the three components. It encourages actors to work together across silos to reduce needs, risks and vulnerabilities, and to work towards ‘collective outcomes’ [2].

[1] IASC Framework on Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons, 2010

[2] UN-IASC Collective Outcomes Light Guidance, 2020 and UN-IASC Background Paper on HDP Nexus, 2016. The HDPN was also institutionalized in the 2020 Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review of UN System Operational Activities (QCPR) Resolution adopted on 21 December 2020 General Assembly QCPR Resolution [A/RES/75/233].

Role of CCCM actors

Introduction

IDP sites are an option of last resort; IDPs turn to sites either because they were already vulnerable prior to being displaced, or because they have exhausted all other viable alternatives. For decades, humanitarian actors have found themselves providing basic assistance in these sites for prolonged periods, while acknowledging that this cannot be considered a long-term solution. Planning for durable solutions for affected individuals and communities is at the heart of the fundamental principles of CCCM.  

While CCCM activities have always been informed by solution-oriented thinking, the sense of urgency, scope and implementation modalities have varied, and the lack of common understanding and funding channels remain major obstacles. The concepts and principles of durable solutions are considered throughout global CCCM tools and guidance. This document identifies some of the benefits CCCM actors can bring in contributing to and advocating for durable solutions – but non-exhaustively.  

Throughout the Camp Management Toolkit you can find guidance on the role of Camp/Site Management Agencies in contributing to the identification of durable solutions, including incorporation in strategic planning and advocacy, exit strategy and camp closure planning, support to community participation, data collection, and disseminating information and communicating with the community concerning durable solutions. 

CCCM guidance (including in the Camp Management Toolkit) stresses the key role of livelihood activities and recovery in assisting displaced populations to find sustainable return, local integration or relocation. Such activities foster the development of skills that enhance the well-being and self-reliance of the displaced population both while they are displaced, and upon return, local integration or relocation. 

Community Participation & Information-Sharing

Solutions planning starts with those affected by the crisis themselves. This includes populations living in the sites, host communities, Civil Society Organisations and authorities; as well as those who have been able to return to their areas or homes or origin or identify other viable solutions. It is also important to engage with the other clusters, as well as development actors working in the area, to ensure synergies.  

The Camp Management Toolkit underlines the importance of ensuring community participation in site management and in identifying and working towards durable solutions and developing the capacities and dignity of site residents and affected host community based on solid evidence-based data.  

Planning for solutions must be guided by the humanitarian principles, realistic and inclusive ensuring the full participation of everyone in the community and consider the interests, skills, education, socio-economic profile and capacities of persons to design their solutions whether to return or remain in the area of displacement or identify other viable and innovative possibilities. With their responsibilities for community participation, representation, and accountability to affected people, CCCM actors are well placed to support and advocate for the participation of IDPs in identifying and working towards durable solutions.   

Data-Driven Approaches

Information on IDPs’ intentions, motivations and expectations are vital to inform durable solutions planning. Assessment questions on these can be integrated into existing multi-sectoral site assessments run by CCCM actors, reducing need for additional standalone assessments, or a standalone intention survey to be carried out. See Toolkit Section 3. Needs Assessment & Analysis for more information on intentions surveys.  

CCCM actors can also support data-driven approaches to durable solutions planning through other methods, such as identifying “push” and “pull” factors linked to the site environment – including site management, assistance, and protection – is understood through focus group discussions with site residents.  

Site Closure & Site Transition

Achievement of durable solutions for families living in displacement sites is intrinsically linked to site closure. In many – or most – cases, families will leave displacement sites to either return or resettle, with the site then closed. However, in some cases, the site may not close, but rather become a permanent settlement integrated into existing municipal services, with humanitarian assistance and services phased out. The transition of the site from a place of displacement to one of recovery requires particularly good coordination between CCCM and the authorities and local community, as well as other clusters and development stakeholders.  

Role of a CCCM Cluster

A CCCM Cluster has a vital role in promoting durable solutions for collectively displaced populations. Generally, a CCCM Cluster is well-positioned to lead on discussions for durable solutions for these populations, including at inter-cluster and HCT forums and other coordination structures related to solutions. 

CCCM Cluster coordination teams, in coordination with other relevant clusters, should develop with their members CCCM Cluster specific solutions-oriented transition plans (overall at national level and site level) as relevant to the context. Consider using localization guidelines and methodologies such as the CCCM Area-Based Approach (ABA) to support this.  

CCCM Clusters should work to support durable solutions for IDPs living in displacement sites and communities supported by CCCM actors, as is appropriate and relevant to the context. The exact role and contribution of a CCCM Cluster and Cluster coordination team towards the wider durable solutions agenda will depend on the context, including on any coordination structures that are established, and may evolve over time.  

It might include to:  

• Initiate discussions with state actors or national authorities on solutions from the onset of displacement  
• Keep the humanitarian community and other stakeholder informed on the trends in the IDP sites that will inform solutions programming 
• Contribute to systematic analysis of needs, profiling and joint data collection  
• Facilitate direct collaboration with development and peace actors 
• Pro-actively engage in Durable Solutions or Returns Working Groups  
• Contribute to the development of durable solutions strategies  
• Collaborate with the Protection Cluster and other relevant clusters on analysis and strategic planning 
• Develop site-specific durable solutions approaches, including solutions-oriented transition or closure plans 

Any solutions-oriented transition plans should encompass guidance to partners on work and community-led projects on peaceful coexistence, housing land and property (HLP) issues, return, relocation and reintegration. You should also consult IASC and CCCM Cluster localization guidelines.  

Related Resources