Internal Displacement in the South Caucasus: Why Has Vulnerability Increased in the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Abstract

All three countries of the South Caucasus have been confronted with war and forced displacement over the past three decades. Because of the unresolved nature of the internal conflicts, internally displaced persons (IDPs) cannot return to their homes and remain in a situation of protracted displacement. This article investigates the socio-economic situation of the internally displaced populations in the South Caucasus, with a special focus on their vulnerability to the impact of COVID-19. Poverty, unemployment, poor housing conditions as well as limited access to education and health care have resulted in increased vulnerabilities of IDPs, which have been further aggravated by the measures imposed to contain COVID-19. As a result, despite aid programmes targeting the specific needs of the displaced populations, their social isolation has increased over the course of the pandemic.