2011年-世界发展银行全球_Azerbaijan_-_Building_Assets_and_Promoting_Self_Reliance___The_Livelihoods_of_Internally_Displaced_Persons_64页_4mb

Summary of "Building Assets and Promoting Self Reliance: The Livelihoods of Internally Displaced Persons" in Azerbaijan

Core Content

This report, published by the World Bank in October 2011, focuses on the livelihoods of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Azerbaijan, particularly those displaced during the 1988–94 conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. It highlights the economic and social challenges faced by IDPs and proposes strategies to enhance their self-reliance and long-term resilience.

Main Points and Key Information

Overview of IDP Situation

• 7% of Azerbaijan's population (approx. 595,000 people) is internally displaced.
• Most IDPs were displaced due to the conflict with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh.
• Without a peace agreement, IDPs remain in protracted displacement, with profound social and economic implications.

Economic Vulnerability

• Poverty rates among IDPs are 25.0%, compared to 20.1% for the non-displaced.
• 42.5% of IDPs live in one-room accommodations, while only 9.1% of non-IDPs do.
• IDP families have 36 m² of living space on average, compared to 74 m² for local families.
• Employment rates among IDPs are 40.1%, compared to 57.4% for the non-displaced.
• Work inactivity rates among IDPs are 54.3%, compared to 36.2% for the non-displaced.

Social and Psychological Status

• IDPs experience social marginalization, hopelessness, and psychosocial stress.
• 30.7% of IDPs in poor health are poor, compared to 19.7% for non-IDPs.
• Fragile health profiles and high transaction costs in the informal labor market further strain their economic stability.

Government Response

• The Government of Azerbaijan (GoA) provides a comprehensive assistance package, including:
  • Subsidized utilities (gas, water, electricity)
  • Income tax exemption
  • Free higher education
  • Free access to health and education services
  • Monthly cash transfer of AZN 15 (25% of the poverty line)
  • Job quotas for IDPs
• Over 75,000 IDPs were relocated to new settlements by 2009, with improved living conditions and services.
• Presidential Decree No. 1346 in 2010 approved the resettlement of an additional 115,000 IDPs.

Need for Improved Self-Reliance

• The GoA recognizes the need to move from dependency to self-reliance.
• 71% of IDPs depend on state subsidies for income.
• Key needs:
  • More employment opportunities for IDPs, especially for women.
  • Higher income levels to reduce the gap between IDPs and non-IDPs.
• Credit and debt constraints are a major barrier to economic independence.

Key Recommendations

Building Human Assets

• Vocational training and skills development should be prioritized to enhance competitiveness in the labor market.
• Support for informal sector activities (e.g., petty trade) should be encouraged through accessible trading locations and policies that favor the informal economy.

Strengthening Physical Assets

• Invest in upgrading IDP housing and improving living conditions, especially in collective centers.
• Location of new settlements should consider market and employment access.
• Provide access to land for IDPs to pursue agricultural livelihoods.

Strengthening Natural Assets

• Improve access to fertile, irrigated land for rural IDPs to support agricultural development.
• Encourage investment in productivity-enhancing technologies and market access.

Strengthening Financial Assets

• Loans with flexible collateral requirements should be made available to IDPs for income-generating activities.
• Micro-enterprise development requires financial capital, skills training, and support systems.
• Community-based initiatives such as collective savings groups can help reduce risk aversion.

Strengthening Social Capital

• Encourage community mobilization to identify development priorities and take responsibility for addressing them.
• Promote cross-community collaboration between IDPs and non-IDPs to build social bridges.
• Improve access to municipal elections to increase accountability and participation.
• Revise the parallel school system to better integrate IDPs with non-IDPs and support social connections.
• Ensure socially responsive housing policies that accommodate young IDPs for marriage.

Access to Markets

• Improve access to market information and virtual communication to reduce exploitation by intermediaries.

Conclusion

• Despite government support, IDPs remain economically and socially vulnerable.
• Targeted investments are essential to address their specific needs and promote self-reliance.
• A balanced approach that focuses on building assets, enhancing skills, and improving social integration is required to ensure long-term resilience and sustainable livelihoods for IDPs.

Variations Within the IDP Population

• Gender differences: Higher economic inactivity among women; female-headed households have higher poverty rates.
• Location differences: IDPs in secondary cities face greater poverty and limited access to land and employment.
• Age differences: Young IDPs are at risk of intergenerational conflict and delayed transition to adulthood due to limited opportunities.

This report underscores the importance of a holistic and long-term strategy to support IDPs in Azerbaijan, ensuring they are not only included in national development but also empowered to achieve economic independence and social integration.