BY LEULSEGED WORKU
Millions of people are forced to displace from their original place due to conflict or violence. Forced displacement is always unexpected. For that reason people will suffer.
As it is indicated by UNHCR, forced displacement exposes displaced people for violence, exploitation or abuse. Absence of basic shelter, restriction on freedom of movement and unable to access social services and loss of income will put the livelihood of expats in danger. Inability to adopt the situation in host area is still the other challenge.
In exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Sociologist Mulatu Gebremariam said that, due to the aforementioned reasons and others, people tend to expose to fear, depression and other psychological challenges. Under this situation, it is mandatory for government or other concerned body to provide all the necessary support.
Internal displacement can be occurred by several reasons, says Mulatu. Natural and manmade factors are the main reasons behind displacement. Whenever there is internal displacement, it is not only the social bondage of that particular community will be affected. The psychological makeup of the displaced people will also be in peril.
“The loss of one’s family, property and negative expectations in the host country could lead to fear. This and other factors will create psychological trauma on displaced people.”
According to Mulatu, internal displacement is mainly caused by violence. The law enforcement operation in Tigray following the sudden attack of the TPLF clique on the northern command of the Ethiopian Defence Forces, internal displacement is observed. Around 30,000 individuals are displaced from their origin.
Displace people faces fear and anxiety whenever they leave their original place. Whenever they face what they fear, they will develop Post Traumatic Anxiety Disorder
or depression. This happens when they are exposed to humanitarian crisis which they never expected before.
“Following the displacement, several people will lose their family and property. This will create a fear in their mind. The other fear they will develop is, the fear of familiarizing themselves with the new environment.”
Mulatu advised that, whenever such kind unexpected incidence happens, the government has responsibility to provide all the necessary support to the displaced people. However, international organizations and other NGOs should also involve in helping vulnerable people.”
Preventive measure is the best solution which minimizes the burden of the government and other stakes. However, if it fails, the government should localize the problem before it expands to other areas. Hand in hand with that, the society should be aware of what “Internal Displacement” means. What is more, the international Humanitarian law and the Constitutional provision that guarantee this vulnerable members of the society should be enforced.
Whenever there is IDPs, there are focal points that give rapid response. In Ethiopian case for instance, Ethiopian Disaster Prevention Commission is the one that is taking action by preparing itself for emergency cases.
He added that in a country where instability and tribal conflict is common, preparedness action is one key factor towards helping IDPs.
According to Mulatu, coordinated efforts of the government, international Organizations, NGOs, local humanitarian organizations and others will contribute a great share towards helping internally displaced persons.
Whenever internal displacement is raised, budgeting is the other most important issue, says Mulatu. According to him, proper management of budget and preparedness will support government`s intervention in helping internally displaced people.
The Ethiopian Herald December 9/2020
