Ethnic cleansing: Reversing the effects

Abstract

This chapter focuses on and enumerates some of the factors enabling return after prolonged displacement by looking at a number of counter-intuitive cases. It examines the interrelated objectives of international organizations and peacekeeping missions such as restoring a multi-ethnic environment and re-introducing positive and mutually respectful relations among conflicted communities. There is also a key differentiation between international and EU/Council of Europe decisions. Within the EU legal system, it is possible for the right of movement and re-acquisition of properties to be seen as facilitating potential returnees. A key challenge for human rights activists is that the right of return is not universally defined or even welcomed in legal or political terms. The chapter highlights the demographic profile of returnees, their immediate and long-term needs, as well as other support mechanisms. As the majority of the early returnees are likely to be older persons, the provision of good healthcare services might be a crucial factor.