Brookings: Experts - Elizabeth Ferris

Natural Disasters: Thinking Beyond Immediate Response

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The tragic earthquake in Sumatra, the tsunami in Samoa and the typhoon that hit the Philippines are just the latest in an increasing number of natural disasters. Last year alone natural disasters affected over 200 million people, killing 16,000 and displacing close to 50 million. Elizabeth Ferris evaluates the international capacity to respond to major disasters and argues that more should be done to reduce their impact.

Regional Workshop on Protection and Response in Situations of Natural Disaster

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Central America is a region constantly exposed to risks from natural disasters. It is important for governments to develop a human rights based approach to disaster response in order to decrease the likelihood of human rights violations of the victims of natural disasters. In order to promote the development of such strategies as well as strengthen the cooperation of humanitarian and human rights agencies in the field, CONRED, CEPREDENAC, and the Brookings-Bern Project, with the support of the Embassy of Switzerland, convened a workshop on disaster response and protection in situations of natural disaster in El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala.

Protection in Natural Disasters

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

People affected by natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes, volcanoes, and other calamities often face urgent protection needs that may not be immediately visible to humanitarian actors caught up in trying to provide water, food, shelter, medical care and other lifesaving assistance. In this paper, Elizabeth Ferris and Diane Paul provide an overview of protection challenges confronting those affected by natural disasters.

Looking Ahead: Natural Disasters, Protection and Climate Change

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The effects of rapid climate change have led to an increase in natural disasters. The international system is seeking to strengthen and expand its approaches in responding to natural disasters, reflecting a sense of urgency and fresh perspectives. A more coordinated, adaptable and rights-based approach to sustainable development may offer vulnerable populations the ability to protect themselves from natural disasters.

Protecting the Displaced in Colombia: The Role of Municipal Authorities

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In most societies, citizens have more interaction with municipal authorities than with national government officials. The same is true in Colombia. However, policies that address displacement are often developed by the national government and left to the municipal authorities to implement. In this report, the Brookings-Bern Project presents the issues discussed at a workshop for municipal authorities in how to better respond to the needs of Colombia's IDPs.

Peace, Reconciliation, and Displacement

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Displacement is one of the tragic consequences of conflict. Elizabeth Ferris argues that once a conflict ends, resolving displacement and preventing future displacement is inextricably linked with achieving a lasting peace.

At Long Last: Finally Peace for Sri Lanka

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On May 16, 2009, the Sri Lankan government announced that it had overrun the last insurgent stronghold and that 26 years of civil conflict had finally come to an end. Despite the end of the war, the humanitarian emergency continues. And, as Elizabeth Ferris argues, the underlying causes of the Tamils' demands—whether for autonomy or simply greater respect for their human rights—have yet to be addressed.

Going Home? Prospects and Pitfalls for Large-Scale Return of Iraqis

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Recently discussion has turned to the prospects for the large-scale return of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) to Iraq. More than 4 million Iraqis have been displaced, either internally or externally. And while the Iraqi and US governments, policymakers in the region, and humanitarian actors assume that most will return to Iraq in the near future, Elizabeth Ferris points out that experience with other displacement crises indicates that return will be neither automatic nor straightforward.

Protecting and Promoting Rights in Natural Disasters in South Asia

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

South Asia is a "theater for disaster." In the past decade alone floods, cyclones, earthquakes, droughts, and a devastating tsunami destroyed hundreds of thousands of lives and livelihoods and left millions more homeless. In each disaster, humanitarian responders rushed to the scene to preserve human life and reduce immediate suffering. However, many times, human rights protection has been a secondary concern. This new report, based on a regional meeting in Chennai, India, discusses the challenges in incorporating human rights into disaster response in South Asia.

Comparative Perspectives on Laws and Policies Addressing Internal Displacement

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

To date, over twenty countries, including Turkey, have already adopted policies or legislation specifically addressing internal displacement—many of which are based on the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement—and other countries are in the process of doing so. In this statement, Elizabeth Ferris puts the issue of law and policy development into the broader framework of national responsibility and gives an overview of the ways in which governments have addressed internal displacement in their laws and policies, including in the search for durable solutions.

Pakistani Displacement: Lessons Learned from Other Mass Displacement Situations

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Once again the newspaper headlines report a massive displacement crisis. This time the displaced are fleeing counter-insurgency campaigns in Pakistan. Though the situation of displacement in Pakistan will have its own unique circumstances, Ferris points out that there are some lessons learned from other displacement situations that may be applicable to planning an appropriate response.

Civilian Humanitarian Action Needed in Pakistan

Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Pakistan's aggressive military campaign against the Taliban's growing threat has resulted in almost a million Pakistanis being displaced in the past two weeks—in addition to the 500,000 who were displaced last fall by fighting. Despite the turmoil, Beth Ferris says there is an opportunity to strengthen civilian government, build strong civil society organizations and support internally displaced people in a way that builds confidence in their government.

Humanitarian Perspectives on the International Law Commission's Report "Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters"

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

All humanitarian work is, or should be, grounded in international human rights law.

Internal Displacement and Peacebuilding in Colombia

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The advances in laws related to IDPs have not addressed the relationship between internal displacement and peacebuilding in Colombia. Elizabeth Ferris explores the issue.

Internal Displacement and the Construction of Peace

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Colombia has one of the world’s largest populations of internally displaced persons (IDPs), estimated between 2.6 and 4.3 million people. Although Colombia’s government has implemented political reconciliation and socioeconomic stabilization measures in recent years, long-term solutions for millions of displaced Colombians continue to be elusive.

Displacement in the Muslim World: A Focus on Afghanistan and Iraq

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Iraq and Afghanistan face displacement crises of massive proportions. According to best estimates, the number approaches two million refugees and 2.8 million IDPs. Although the pace of displacement has slowed since mid-2007, few IDPs and refugees have been able to return, their resources are running out, and international assistance has been inadequate. The longer displacement lasts, the more complicated it will be to resolve.

Displacement in the Muslim World

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Throughout the Muslim world, millions of people have been forced to flee their homes and communities for many reasons, including both conflicts and natural disasters. This massive displacement of people affects both national development plans and individual human development, affecting relationships between countries, UN Security Council discussions, and peace processes. In short, as Hady Amr and Elizabeth Ferris argue, understanding—and resolving—displacement is central to development, peace, and security.

Internally Displaced Persons: A Neglected Issue on the International Agenda

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the world commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Elizabeth Ferris writes that it is timely to focus on international efforts to uphold the rights of those who have been forced to leave their homes and communities.

Assessing the Impact of the Guiding Principles: An Unfinished Task

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Guiding Prinicples' objectives were clear but, ten years on, how can we assess their impact? The late Sérgio Vieira de Mello identified four ways the Principles might benefit IDPs: raising awareness of their needs; mobilizing support within the humanitarian community; helping field staff find solutions; and assisting governments to provide for IDPs' security and well-being. In this article, Elizabeth Ferris examines the impact of the Guiding Principles by examining their progress made on Vieira de Mello's points.

Minorities, Displacement, and Iraq's Future

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It is no coincidence that many internally displaced persons and refugees are members of minority groups. In every region of the world, minorities have been repressed, killed and displaced by governments and other armed actors seeking to take over their territory, command their loyalty, and control their actions. In this paper, Elizabeth Ferris & Kimberly Stoltz examine the relationship between minorities and displacement, with a particular emphasis on Iraq's smaller minorities.

Returns to Iraq: Questions and More Questions

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As violent incidents decrease in Iraq and as US combat troops prepare to withdraw, expectations will grow that Iraqis will return to their communities in growing numbers. In fact, UN Officials and political leaders in Iraq, the region, and the US have always expected that return will be the durable solution for Iraqi IDPs and refugees without giving serious consideration to other options. For returns to be successful, the government of Iraq and the international community need to learn from the lessons of other mass returns of displaced populations and refugees.

Internal Displacement, Transitional Justice, and Peacebuilding: Lessons Learned

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

There is a close relationship between finding solutions for displaced persons and peacebuilding as peacebuilding involves: re-establishing security and law and order, reconstruction and economic rehabilitation, reconciliation and social rehabilitation, and political transition to creating more accountable governance structures and institutions. If IDP concerns in these areas are not taken seriously, it may jeopardize the sustainability of peace in the country.

Durable Solutions for IDPs in Protracted Situations: Three Case Studies

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Though there are important similarities in the impact of prolonged displacement on the lives of IDPs and refugees, there are also significant differences in their situations -- particularly when it comes to solutions. While return is often the desired solution for both IDPs and political actors, Alex Mundt and Elizabeth Ferris argue that local integration and return should not be seen as mutually exclusive alternatives, as they can encourage IDPs to build new lives elsewhere without having to give up the possibility of an eventual return.

Natural Disasters, Human Rights and the Role of National Human Rights Institutions

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Most people who are displaced by natural disasters remain within the borders of their country, making them internally displaced persons (IDPs) as defined by the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the national government to provide protection and assistance to them and to facilitate durable solutions for their displacement. In disaster response, Elizabeth Ferris argues, it is necessary to develop a rights-based approach to guarantee that the rights of those who've been displaced by the disaster are protected.

Displacement, Natural Disasters, and Human Rights

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In the course of the past year, over 400 natural disasters took 16,000 lives, affected close to 250 million people and displaced many millions. But many humanitarian actors continue to see natural disasters and those displaced by them as marginal to the central thrust of humanitarian action: responding to those affected by conflict.

Iraq's Missing Generation

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The future of Iraq hinges on its young, but far too many of them have been driven into exile.

Moving Beyond Rhetoric: Consultation and Participation with IDPs

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The importance of engaging directly with populations affected by poverty, conflict and disaster is a common theme in the literature on humanitarian aid, development and peacebuilding. However, despite the many documented benefits, consultation with and participation by affected populations -- including IDPs -- remains limited.

Iraqi Elections and Displacement

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Provincial elections are an important step toward national reconciliation in Iraq, but steps must be taken to ensure that the displaced— both refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs)— are able to participate. Despite the passage of the provincial elections law, there are no provisions for Iraqis living outside the country to vote, meaning that close to 10% of Iraq's populatioin will be disenfranchised, with serious consequences for the legitimacy of the elections.

The Potential Impact of the Indictment of Bashir on Darfur’s Humanitarian Situation

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

At first glance, the reaction of humanitarian actors on the ground in Darfur to potential indictments of the Sudanese president Omar Bashir seems pretty obvious. Darfur's 2.5 million internally displaced people, the 4.2 million in need of food assistnace and the 17,000 or so humanitarian workers would make easy targets for an angry Sudanese government. But like everything in Darfur, Elizabeth Ferris explains, the situation is more complicated than it seems at first glance.

Alternative Scenarios for Iraq's Displaced

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Most of those writing about future scenarios for Iraq rarely mention the fate of the five million displaced Iraqis, but when they do, they seem to assume that once security and political progress in Iraq are achieved, the refugees and interanlly displaced persons (IDPs) will return to their communities and life will go on. Unfortunately, even in the best of political scenarios, it is unlikely to be so straightforward.

Iraq's Displaced Millions

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Iraq has improved dramatically across almost all fronts in the last year, but largely still unaddressed is the plight of those displaced by violence. Current estimates say that more than 2 million Iraqis are refugees abroad and almost 2.8 million are displaced internally. Elizbeth Ferris and Michael O'Hanlon say that people who think that Iraq is nearly stable need to remember that the return of these 4.8 million people carries huge risks for that stability.

Internal Displacement, Human Rights, and Development

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this speech, Elizabeth Ferris says that when people are forced to leave their places of residence due to violence or human rights abuses, there is obviously a high human cost. But, internal displacement also has significant economic costs, both short and long-term. Such costs, including the loss of homes and property, the loss of livelihoods, the loss of educational opportunities, and the increased burden on host communities can have serious consequences for the stability and development of a country.

The Looming Crisis: Displacement and Security in Iraq

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Lost in discussions of the military surge, the pace of troop drawdowns, and political benchmarks are millions of displaced Iraqis. Their plight is both a humanitarian tragedy and a strategic crisis that is not being addressed.

Cyclone Nargis: Catalyst for Change in Myanmar?

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As the scope of tropical cyclone Nargis becomes clearer, Elizabeth Ferris and Lex Rieffel recall that the 2004 tsunami, which struck Aceh provice in Indonesia among other places, was both a human tragedy and a political blessing. They argue that this experience is not likely to be replicated in Myanmar because the regime will continue to refuse much of the assistance offered by foreign governments and international NGOs.

Five Observations on Natural Disasters

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Images from the cyclone in Myanmar and the earthquake in China have dominated the news for the past week. But, as Beth Ferris observes, these victims of natural disasters are just a small portion of the over 200 million people each year who are affected by natural disasters. Although most of these disasters never make it onto the nightly news in America, their effects are felt by victims long after the TV cameras have moved on.

Internally Displaced Persons in Darfur: Taking Stock

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Darfur has been on the international agenda for the past four years despite the advocacy campaigns, the growing public awareness, the large and expensive relief operations, and (eventual) Security Council action. Despite these efforts, as Elizabeth Ferris points out, the war is far from over.

Challenges in the Humanitarian Field: The Big Picture

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

There are unprecedented challenges for humanitarian actors today, demonstrated by the fine line between promoting humanitarian principles and advocacy. In this statement to the Global Communications Forum of the International Federation of the Red Cross/Red Crescent, Brookings expert Elizabeth Ferris examines these challenges and discusses ways to address them while maintaining key humanitarian principles.

The Role of Civil Society in Ending Displacement and Peacebuilding

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Though few civil society organizations explicitly characterize their work with IDPs as peacebuilding, their efforts often influence whether IDPs are able to achieve lasting solutions and contribute to sustainable peace.

Preparing for the Iraqi Humanitarian Crisis

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

While much has been made of the impact of the surge on Iraq, very little has been discussed about the humanitarian catastrophe in Iraq. Even in the best of cases there will still be almost 5 million Iraqi refugees and IDPs who will need help to find durable solutions. If they are unable to find such solutions, the ramifications will be widespread—for Iraq, for the region, and for America.

The Future of Kirkuk: The Referendum and Its Potential Impact on Displacement

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Often described as the next "powder keg" in Iraq, the issue of Kirkuk's status has gripped the nation, its neighbors, and the international community. This referendum is significant because it is linked both to Iraq's past and the future of the "new" Iraq. As Brookings expert Elizabeth Ferris and Kimberly Stoltz argue, failing to reconcile the competing interests and property claims in, not only Kirkuk but also other disputed territories, could lead to further destruction and chaos in Iraq.

Prepare for the Iraqi Humanitarian Crisis: Open Letter to U.S. Presidential Candidates

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The next American president will face the challenge of a humanitarian catastrophe in Iraq. Even in the best of cases there will be almost five million Iraqi refugees and IDPs who will need help to find solutions. Brookings expert Elizabeth Ferris reminds the candidates that if solutions are not found—if the displaced remain homeless, jobless, destitute and vulnerable to abuse and exploitation—the ramifications will be widespread for Iraq and the entire region.

Iraqi Internal Displacement and International Law

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement serve as an international standard to guide governments as well as international humanitarian and development agencies in providing assistance and protection to IDPs. As Brookings expert Elizabeth Ferris argues, the Guiding Principles clearly apply to the people displaced inside Iraq.

Durable Solutions: When Does Displacement End?

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement stress that displacement should end as soon as possible, but there are many cases where it isn't clear when durable solutions have, in fact, been found.

Making Sense of Climate Change, Natural Disasters, and Displacement: A Work in Progress

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Predictions have been made that millions of people will be displaced because of climate change in the coming years. However, despite the frequent mention of this statistic, as Brookings expert Elizabeth Ferris discusses, the terminology of those displaced by climate change has yet to catch up. And while many in the humanitarian field are aware of the distinctions between the various types of forced migrants, those in the environmental field are not as aware of the nuances.

The Real Challenge of Internal Displacement in Iraq: The Future

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The dire situation of the internally displaced in Iraq has been creating humanitarian and security problems for some time now. And while the situation has yet to markedly improve, the real challenge for Iraq lies in the future with the eventual return of not only IDPs, but the millions of refugees who have fled the conflict.

The Global Humanitarian Platform: Opportunity for NGOs

Sat, 01 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

While often confused with the larger humanitarian reform process, the Global Humanitarian Platform is a stand-alone initiative which seeks to strengthen relationships between the major humanitarian actors, as the challenges facing humanitarian actors are too great for a single agency to face alone.

Towards a Research Agenda on Internal Displacement

Sat, 01 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

On the 8 and 9th of March, 2007, academic researchers working on issues releated to internally displaced persons met in Cairo, Egpyt to identify methodological problems in both data collection and field research and to discuss the future research agenda for internal displacement.

Regional Dimensions to the Iraqi Displacement Crisis and the Role of the United Nations

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The nature of the conflict in Iraq has created a displacement crisis marked by situations of urban displacement, making humanitarian assistance more difficult.

Addressing the Gap between Relief and Development

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

After conflicts end, the expectation is that development actors will play the leading role in addressing the needs of the affected population, but, as Elizabeth Ferris argues, this just doesn’t seem to happen naturally.

Disaster Risk Reduction: A Front Line Defense against Climate Change and Displacement

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is a vital defense against climate change and displacement, particularly in the current context of increasing numbers of disaster-affected persons. This is a report on a seminar to raise awareness and encourage organizations to begin or to renew their efforts to reduce the human impact of natural disasters.

A Faithful Case for Intervention: Our Common Responsibility to Protect Humanity and Prevent Atrocities

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Elizabeth Ferris on the responsibility to protect (September 2007)

Humanitarian Reform: Responding to IDP Situations in Non-cluster Countries

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Elizabeth Ferris discusses a gap in humanitarian reform: addressing the needs of internally displaced persons living in protracted situations. Much has been written in recent years about protracted refugee situations, but virtually nothing has been published about long-term internal displacement.

Partnership, Partnership: NGO Cooperation within the Global Humanitarian Platform

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The Global Humanitarian Platform is an initiative to bring together the three main families of humanitarian actors on an equal footing – non-governmental organizations, the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement, and UN and other intergovernmental agencies – in order to increase the effectiveness of humanitarian response. In this statement, Elizabeth Ferris discusses the way forward in promoting NGO cooperation under the new Global Humanitarian Platform.

Maintaining Humanitarian Ideals in Conflict Situations

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Humanitarian diplomacy is often based on compromise and yet compromising on basic humanitarian principles can weaken them.

Security, Displacement and Iraq: A Deadly Combination

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Paper by Elizabeth Ferris (8/27/07)

A Chance for Peace in Côte d'Ivoire

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

A few weeks ago, the President of Côte d'Ivoire, Laurent Gbabgo, declared that the country's five year civil war "is over." However, on the ground the peace is fragile and the security situation is volatile. Elizabeth Ferris discusses the need for the international community's involvement to prevent a return to civil war and maintain the peace.

Relief and Rights Are Needed to Respond to South Asia's Floods

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion Piece by Elizabeth Ferris (8/13/07)

Update on Humanitarian Issues and Politics in Iraq

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement provides periodic updates on humanitarian issues in Iraq, with a particular focus on the factors behind the growing displacement crisis. The Project has recently completed a large field-based study of Iraqi displacement patterns to Syria, and many of its finding are presented here.

Peace the Only Solution to Displaced People's Needs

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Elizabeth Ferris, New Routes (6/29/07)

Iraqi Refugees: Our Problem or Sweden's?

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The near-blind eye the United States has turned to the humanitarian crisis now unfolding from the Iraq war threatens to undermine any hope for real peace and security in that region for years and perhaps decades to come. The displacement of 4 million Iraqis to date -- one in seven of the country's citizens -- is the largest the Middle East has known since 1948.

Internal Displacement: A Human Rights Issue

Fri, 18 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Statement by Elizabeth Ferris at International Visitor Leadership Program (5/18/07)

Internally Displaced Persons - A Multifaceted Dilemma

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Elizabeth Ferris in the Horn of Africa Bulletin (April 2007)

Iraq's Displaced Need More than Talk

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Web-Ed by Elizabeth Ferris (4/13/07)

Abuse of Power: Sexual Exploitation of Refugee Women and Girls

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Elizabeth Ferris, Signs Journal of Women in Culture and Society (Spring 2007)

Humanitarian Issues and Politics in Iraq

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Statement by Elizabeth Ferris at The Brookings Institution (2/14/07)

Looking to the Future

Sat, 30 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Elizabeth Ferris, Forced Migration Review (Winter 2006)

Humanitarian Reconfiguration

Fri, 08 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Elizabeth Ferris, ICVA's Talk Back (12/8/06)