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This paper examines the policy approaches taken to manage the humanitarian crisis in Haiti's IDP camps post-earthquake.

June 4, 20260 citationsOpen Access

Haiti's IDP Camp Policy: The Management of Vulnerability

Key Points

This paper examines the policy approaches taken to manage the humanitarian crisis in Haiti's IDP camps post-earthquake.
Critiques of relocation programs, shelter improvements, and cash-for-work initiatives.
Analysis of involvement from NGOs, elite donors, and foreign governments in managing the IDP camp system.
Exploration of the structural challenges facing displaced populations.
Identified the inefficacy of relocation solutions in providing lasting stability for IDPs.
Highlighted the mixed effectiveness of shelter improvement programs, showing limited impact on long-term housing.
Outlined the exploitative tendencies in cash-for-work programs, affecting the vulnerable population's dignity.

Abstract

The January 12, 2010, earthquake that hit Haiti was one of the largest humanitarian disasters in history. In addition to lives lost and people left disabled, the infrastructure of Port-au-Prince was destroyed. Over a year later, 1.3 million people are living under tents and tarps in camps run by international aid organizations. This paper explores the policy solutions being attempted within the camp system in the efforts to deal with the humanitarian crisis. In particular it critiques relocation, shelter improvement, and cash-for-work programs (CFW). It explores the policies, the role of elite donors, NGOs, and foreign governments that together "manage" and, at times, exploit a vulnerable population.

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