Resettlement in Asian Countries

"The book makes very significant contributions to development-forced displacement and resettlement studies, having placed a particular focus on the recent policy and legal advances in Asian countries."

Michael M. Cernea, Brookings Institution, Washington DC

"Every year millions of people are displaced for the sake of development projects. This volume paints a complex portrait of efforts – by Asian governments, development institutions, and communities struggling for their rights – to address the potential harms and wrongs that are latent in displacement for development. Some of the contributions show how displacement has become less arbitrary through adoption of new land acquisition laws that offer greater protection to displaced individuals, families, and communities. Others document continuing conflicts, showing that this struggle is by no means over and done, especially for indigenous peoples. The volume as a whole – spanning a wide range of Asian countries – achieves an impressive critical realism, neither pretending that the issues of displacement by development have been fully resolved, nor denying the progress that has been made. Not only academics, but development practitioners, policy makers, and community advocates can learn much from this book."

Jay Drydyk, Professor of Philosophy, Carleton University, Ottawa

"The editors of this significant volume have assembled an impressive set of case studies focusing on resettlement experience in Asia. Whether development-induced or refugee-related, resettlement has now emerged as a central issue in development everywhere, not in Asia alone."

Hari Mohan Mathur, Distinguished Professor, Council for Social Development, New Delhi

"Can better country laws and regulations enhance outcomes for people displaced by development projects? The editors, all highly experienced resettlement teachers and practitioners, believe that they can. This comprehensive collection presents an in-depth, yet very practical, comparative review of the dynamic interaction between international standards and relevant national laws and regulations in Asia, substantiated by real-time project examples. Contributors show how some new country laws enhance compensation, negotiation and development opportunities for the displaced. Yet across Asia, they find some way to go to achieve humane and sustainable development paths that fully address the rights, livelihoods, and well-being of the people in the way."

Susanna Price, Australian National University, Canberra.

"This book is an excellent addition to the resettlement library. Its focus on the 21st century, especially the new Asian country standards for involuntary resettlement, shows the reader what has been gained as well as remaining challenges. As enforceable laws, country standards offer new possibilities for the displaced and resettled to claim their rights. However, in many countries, indigenous people still face significant barriers, and not all countries have the institutional capacity necessary to implement these more comprehensive standards. I recommend this volume highly for both resettlement practitioners and scholars."

Dolores Koenig, Professor Emerita of Anthropology, American University, Washington, DC, USA