Involuntary Resettlement

Involuntary Resettlement
Updated: 24 September 2009

Why Involuntary Resettlement?

Projects are necessary to provide the framework for poverty reduction and growth, they also tend to affect and displace people. The impact of involuntary displacement may fall disproportionately on the poor.

Good resettlement planning and management provides a safeguard against such risk. It can also open up a range of new opportunities to improve the incomes and living conditions of those affected, turning involuntary displacement into a development opportunity.

ADB's Policy on Involuntary Resettlement, adopted in 1995, endeavors to ensure that development is beneficial to all.

The policy sets out steps for planning compensation and other assistance to replace assets, resources, incomes and livelihoods of all those affected, so that no one is disadvantaged.