30. Ethical Issue #6

Creating camps or integrating refugees and displaced persons with the local population: providing relief versus securing rights

Mass distribution of humanitarian assistance is facilitated by concentration of beneficiaries into camps or their equivalents; concentration is also justified by "security" and political concerns about keeping migrants separated from the host society and economy. Such policies may even be pursued with internally displaced populations in flagrant denial of their rights as citizens. Review the ethical issues associated with the development of camps and ask participants how these issues can be addressed.

Ethical issues involved in establishing camps

· Camps undermine local support systems and development of positive community relations.
· Inadequately supported camps create epidemics and elevated mortality rates.
· Encampment may become permanent.
· Hardship can persist unnecessarily in camps.

Human rights issues

· Right to move, work and integrate in the local community may be lost.
· Employment and wage rights may be abused and workers exploited.
· Corruption of host country officials and police may be encouraged.

Ethical policy options

· Secure the rights to a livelihood and to self-sufficiency for beneficiaries.

· Support host institutions and service structures to facilitate integration with minimal negative consequences.