Publication: Social Cohesion, Economic Security, and Forced Displacement in the Long-Run: Evidence from Rural Colombia
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Date
2022-04
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2022-04
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Millions of people around the world are internally displaced and yet—compared to other forms of wartime victimization—scholars know relatively little about the long-run consequences of displacement for victims. This gap in the literature is problematic since displacement is distinct from other forms of victimization and because IDPs face unique challenges in post-conflict transitions. This study contributes to the literature on the effects of displacement in three ways. First, the study brings to bear a unique sample of households in Colombia that is largely homogeneous along key confounders–mostly poor, rural, and conflict-afflicted— yet varies in their exposure to displacement. Next, the study draws on a rich set of covariates and outcomes to provide plausible estimates on the long-run effects of internal displacement, finding that a decade or more after displacement, victims experience substantial negative welfare effects yet exhibit higher levels of social cohesion than their counterparts. Finally, combining a prediction framework with interviews with key stakeholders and displacement victims, the study explores variation in outcomes among victims, particularly why some return home and seek reparations. The results reveal a wide assortment of consequences from displacement and should help inform policy-making bearing on support for internally displaced people.
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“Tellez, Juan; Balcells, Laia. 2022. Social Cohesion, Economic Security, and Forced Displacement in the Long-Run: Evidence from Rural Colombia. Policy Research Working Paper;10019. © World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/37395 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”
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