Description

This paper provides an overview of the evidence available about the specific justice needs of people displaced because of conflict. It discusses the strategies they use to respond to these needs; the justice and security providers available to displaced people; and the various mechanisms in place to promote and support justice and help them address their justice concerns. A systematic review of the scientific and nonscientific sources available, focused on conflict-affected countries in sub-Saharan Africa, illustrates that little is known about any of these topics. Limited evidence shows displaced people face violence, exploitation, and abuse, while the justice mechanisms available and accessible to them vary greatly. In some instances, the displaced engage with the prevailing mechanisms of justice in their host communities, while in others they replicate or reinvent their original justice systems. We identify the flaws (or gaps) in the literature and argue for more in-depth studies paying attention to the specific justice needs of displaced people. We believe further reflection can help bring about the development of more effective justice-enhancing mechanisms to respond to the needs of this particular group.