Socio-economic and Human Rights Implications of Development-Induced Displacement in Addis Ababa

Abstract

 This article evaluates the socio-economic and human rights implications of Development-induced Displacement (DID) in the City of Addis Ababa. Development- induced Displacement is a broad concept and policy framework used by governments to justify the displacement of people in meeting their development activities. A redevelopment program is one of the common policy justifications of DID in urban settings to improve the living and working conditions of people. In principle, displacement of people from their homes, land, and community is not allowed unless a compulsory public interest requires such moves. If displacement becomes unavoidable, the rights and benefits of those displaced shall be regulated by adequate legal framework guaranteeing due process and effective remedy. Within the human rights framework of the right to development, the central subject, ultimate participant, and beneficiary are the people who are called to leave their land, home, and community. In light of these principles and legal framworks, this article examines the processes and outcomes of a redevelopment programms in three sites of Addis Ababa. The evidences from the qualitative investigation revealed that the redevelopment program was not backed by an adequate legal framework, the practices are incompatible with international human rights standards and principles cited for unavoidable DID. Particularly, the program did not recognize those individuals whose livelihoods have been affected by the program as the central subject, ultimate participants, and beneficiaries of its process and outcomes. , At worst, the program becomes a cause for human rights violations, destabilizes social systems, and creates impoverishment risks in the lives of displaced urban poor. The article recommends policy, legal, and practical reform to alleviate further socio-economic impacts and human rights abuses sponsored in the name of development.