The socio-economic status of internally displaced people in South East Europe: The cases of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to shed light on the 30-year problem of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the former Yugoslavia, specifically in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo. While the number of IDPs is in decline, the problem and its consequences are felt by many. In this paper we will present the social, political and economic context of IDPs in these three case studies by analysing the existing legal framework and policies. In particular, we will focus on violations of the fundamental human right to an adequate standard of living, the complex dilemma of choosing between return and integration, and socio-economic discrimination against IDPs.