Social Sustainability
Involuntary Resettlement
Definition
Involuntary resettlement is the physical displacement (loss of shelter) or economic displacement (loss of land, assets or livelihood access) of people caused by development projects such as dams, mines, roads and urban works, carried out without their informed consent or power to refuse. Safeguard standards — the World Bank's ESS5 and IFC Performance Standard 5 — require avoidance where possible, and otherwise full compensation, livelihood restoration and improvement of living standards.
References
This reference provides supporting context for how “Involuntary Resettlement” is defined and used.
Source imported for editorial provenance.
Overview
How it is used
The concept structures resettlement action plans in project finance, lender supervision, grievance mechanisms, and the growing debate on planned relocation in climate adaptation.
Why it matters
Infrastructure for the transition will displace people; resettlement standards are the main instrument ensuring those who bear that cost are not made poorer by progress.