The Right to Development in the Context of Development-Induced Displacement

The other specialized human rights regime relevant to development-induced displacement (DID) pertains to the frameworks and norms governing the right to development. While the right to development does not directly address displacement or DID, it establishes important norms concerning the concept, process, and outcome of development. Since “development” is often invoked as a justification for DID, it is imperative to analyse these norms. The norms on the right to development can inform the approval process of development projects that potentially cause displacement, the execution of such displacement, and the safeguards that need to be provided along the way. Accordingly, this chapter explores the normative content of the right to development as envisaged under the relevant frameworks and examines its application in the context of DID.