Lives and Livelihoods of Riverbank Erosion Displacees in Bangladesh: Need for Protection Framework

Abstract

This paper portrays lives and livelihoods scenario of riverbank eroded internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Bangladesh. This village-based micro level study, finds that riverbank erosion is disastrous in that it not only erodes lands but also erodes families, kinship and social ties. Displaced persons living on Riverbanks in Bangladesh face many internal and external barriers before, during and after displacement. This study shows that the majority of the IDPs living on the riverbank are deprived of fundamental rights, including but not limited to, access to land, housing, income, education, health and sanitation. Although, there is evidence pointing towards the Government of Bangladesh adoption and reform of a number of outstanding policies on climate change, disaster management, health and education; there is still no national policy to comprehensively address forced displacement issues. In concluding this paper, it is recommended that the Government of Bangladesh conform to the UNHCR 1998 Guiding Principles by developing a national policy to protect IDPs, especially those living affected by riverbank erosion with emphasis on dignity, social economic, and cultural rights to climate victims.