Resource information
This handbook intends to document the
essential steps for best practice in the design, and
implementation of resettlement action plans. Given that
involuntary resettlement entails both the physical
displacement of peoples, and the disruption of their
livelihoods, social development specialists at the
International Finance Corporation (IFC), worked together
with project developers to ensure consistent, and pragmatic
application of the Bank Group policies, and guidelines,
contributing to the mitigation of environmental, and social
risks. The handbook outlines the policy, and principles of
resettlement, stipulating these principles as follows: 1)
involuntary resettlement should be avoided; 2) where
involuntary resettlement is unavoidable, affected people
should be compensated fully, and fairly for lost assets; 3)
involuntary resettlement should be conceived as an
opportunity to improve the livelihoods of the affected
people, and, undertaken accordingly; and, 4) people affected
by involuntary resettlement, should be consulted, and
involved in resettlement planning, to ensure that
mitigation, and benefits are appropriate and sustainable.
Section I presents the scope of application, reviewing the
types of resettlement, public disclosure requirements, and
special considerations. Section II examines the components
of a resettlement action plan, through the identification of
project impacts, and affected population - mapping, census,
inventory of affected assets, socioeconomic studies, and
consultation processes - to the legal framework on
compensation, resettlement assistance, budget and
implementation schedule, in addition to grievance redress
and, monitoring and evaluation. Sections III and IV present
an implementation checklist, and outline a resettlement
action plan, respectively.
