Political Consequences of Displacement in Post-Conflict Reconstruction: A Human Security Perspective

Forced displacement is generally examined as a humanitarian, social, and economic consequence of armed conflict.However, displacement also produces important political consequences that may persist long after active hostilities have ended.Internally displaced persons remain citizens of their states, yet displacement may weaken their access to political institutions, electoral processes, public decision-making, and meaningful representation.Drawing on the human security approach, this article examines the political consequences of internal displacement in post-conflict environments.It focuses specifically on political participation, electoral rights, representation, state legitimacy, institutional trust, and the involvement of displaced populations in reconstruction and peacebuilding.The article argues that successful post-conflict reconstruction cannot be limited to the restoration of physical infrastructure or state institutions.Political inclusion is therefore an important component of human security and sustainable post-conflict reconstruction.