Involuntary resettlement under development projects can give rise to severe economic, social, and environmental risks, and result in long-term hardship and impoverishment of affected people if it is not managed well.

ADB’s involuntary resettlement safeguards aim to avoid involuntary resettlement wherever possible; to minimize involuntary resettlement by exploring project and design alternatives; to enhance, or at least restore, the livelihoods of all displaced persons in real terms relative to pre-project levels; and to improve the standards of living of the displaced poor and other vulnerable groups.

Involuntary resettlement safeguards call for meaningful consultation with affected people; compensation of losses and provision of assistance to and benefit sharing with displaced persons, and special measures for the poor and vulnerable. Involuntary resettlement safeguards also require the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of time-bound resettlement plans.