Transitional justice frameworks essential in tackling displacement: MRG

This statement was delivered on 4 July 2023 by Mays Al-Juboori during the Interactive Dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of Internally Displaced Persons, Paula Gaviria Betancur, at the 53rd session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Special Rapporteur,

Minority Rights Group welcomes your first report as Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons. We are particularly encouraged by its emphasis on a multi-stakeholder approach to achieving intersectional human-rights based responses to internal displacement.

MRG believes that the thematic priorities you have selected will reveal the unique and disproportionate impact of displacement on religious, linguistic and ethnic minorities, and indigenous peoples, especially women, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. Minority and indigenous identity, culture and heritage are often deeply rooted in their communities and territories. The loss of land is usually the start of a drastic decline of minority or indigenous peoples’ wellbeing, leading to multi-generational cycles of isolation, deprivation and insecurity.  Many when displaced face further exclusion, discrimination and stigmatization.

MRG would like to emphasize the importance of transitional justice frameworks in tackling the root causes of displacement. This includes confronting structural inequalities which heighten exposure of minorities and indigenous peoples to generalised violence and climate impacts. We look forward to seeing your mandate work towards inclusive justice, reparations and reconciliation to enable safe and dignified returns.

I thank you.

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Photo: Screenshot from the advocacy statement video.