The issue of housing, land and property is clearly linked to the one of
documentation. Minorities often do not have official papers to prove
their rights to land ownership. Addressing the issue of security of
tenure is essential when addressing the challenges facing displaced
minorities as some minorities might have a particular attachment to
their land or as their whole culture may rely on land.
Examples: Serbia and Kosovo (Roma IDPs)
Specific challenges facing women and children from displaced
minorities
Due to multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, women and
children who are displaced and from a minority group can be
particularly at risk of sexual and gender based violence and other
forms of violence including slavery, trafficking.
Examples: Iraq (Yazidis)
Lack of participation in decisions affecting them directly, because of
the very fact that they are already marginalized because of their status
as minorities and as displaced.
Complex issue of return
The issue of minority return has been well documented in the context
of the Balkans. Their return is resisted in the first instance, and where
it takes place, minorities face continued harassment, resulting in
tensions between communities upon return.
Examples: Kosovo
Sensitive issue of local integration and settlement elsewhere
Local integration and settlement elsewhere can be particularly
challenging for minorities who are IDPs, as they need to adapt to new
environments, with no support networks, and may face tensions with
host communities.