Role of NGOs in alleviating problems of IDPs in Southeast Asia

Abstract

On 26th December 2004, the world witnessed one of the most destructive natural disasters in modern history, the Indian Ocean tsunami also known as the Asian tsunami. The gigantic waves were the result of an undersea quake that originated in the Northwest of Sumatra Island, Indonesia. The countries most affected by the tsunami include: India; the Maldives; Sri Lanka; Indonesia and Thailand. The governments of these countries were forced to implement disaster response and recovery strategies. The 2004 tsunami which occurred in Southeast Asia brought into focus the concerns of the IDPs (Internal Displaced Persons). Besides natural disasters, various conflict zones in Southeast Asia have created problems for the IDPs. Following are some of the issues:- i. sexual and gender based violence; ii. discrimination for access of assistance on the basis of ethnic, caste and religious grounds; iii. recruitments of children into fighting forces; iv. lack of safety in areas of displacement and areas of origin; v. inequities in dealing with property and compensation. Past studies have shown that in Thailand and Indonesia, there have been conflict and disasters areas which have led to the IDP's phenomenon. Hence, the purpose of this study is to focus on how the NGOS help to alleviate the problems of IDPs are facing within Southeast Asian region.