Spontaneous repatriation
Repatriation can occur under a variety of conditions. Many
displaced families arrange and return to their place of origin through
self-initiated, individual efforts, sometimes referred to as spontaneous
repatriation. On the basis of personal perceptions of necessity, safety and
risk, people are often motivated to return home and organize their own
repatriation. They may return to join family members, protect property, begin
rehabilitation or to plant crops.
The movement of displaced persons from places of refuge to
permanent residences is usually continuous during an emergency. Families may
take independent action to move based on the options open to them. Various
observers have noted that repatriation is not simply an activity that begins at
the end of a crisis (Larkin et al, 1991). Aid to resettling individuals can
include transportation, protection, and financial assistance. When appropriate,
emergency services should be reduced and emergency and temporary shelters
closed.
It is critical to note that self-initiated repatriation can also
be motivated by violation of basic human rights while in refuge. Not
infrequently, the desire of governments to rid themselves of the responsibility
for displaced persons leads to reductions in services, lack of protection and
harassment. In some situations such courses of action have led to extreme
hardships and the death of large numbers of people. In such situations the need
to defend the rights of displaced people to remain in their place of refuge and
to be treated humanely must be pursued.
Displaced people are sometimes used as political pawns,
recruited for the military, exploited commercially, or used to justify large
international aid programs.
Conversely, displaced people who could repatriate may be
discouraged or prevented from returning home by national governments or other
parties because it is to their advantage. Displaced people are sometimes used as
political pawns, recruited for the military, exploited commercially, or used to
justify large international aid programs. In such situations it may be necessary
to defend the right of people to return home. Relief organizations must be
cautious that their assistance does not contribute to the entrapment or abuse of
displaced
people.
