Lastly, participation of IDP minorities will provide a firm ground to ensure that any of these programmes are relevant, effective, supported and owned by the IDP minorities themselves. The marginalisation of minorities is often a problem that exacerbates their displacement situation and lends to their protracted displacement in greater proportion compared to other non-minority IDPs. The UNGPID provides that IDP participation is a consistent requirement. This includes in the context of durable solutions. Genuine and free political participation, for example, need to be enhanced despite the fact that they are displaced. Again, in my own experience, special voting programmes may need to be set up in order to provide the displaced minorities an opportunity to lend their voice to democratic processes. Another example is the participation of IDP minorities in the discussion and design of responses to displacement, so that they can return, locally integrate or settle elsewhere. In fact, such participation actually make it easier for the State organisms and humanitarian and development agencies to provide the necessary support as well as funding. I have come across situations where the construction of houses, for example, actually do not conform with the demands of the minorities cultural practices, including materials. In the end, the resolution of this particular problem was able to enable the return of the displaced minorities in a safe and dignified manner. In conclusion, the attainment of durable solutions is challenging for IDPs in general; it is even more challenging for displaced minorities who have suffered from discrimination, including in relation to their valid aspirations for the guarantee and fulfilment of their rights as minorities. A concerted effort to achieve durable solutions for displaced minorities, based on their minority rights, is important not only for the minorities themselves. They have far reaching consequences in resolving humanitarian crises and in achieving peace and justice for all peoples. Thank you.

Select target paragraph3