Switzerland – The results of a study produced by IOM and the Brookings Institution entitled: “Resolving Post-Disaster Displacement: Insights from the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda)” were presented today at IOM’s Geneva Headquarters.

The study, undertaken with the support of the Government of Canada, looks in depth at the issue of durable solutions to internal displacement in the Philippines following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013.

The study is the second of its kind, following similar work conducted in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.

The research combines extensive interviews and focus group discussions with a variety of stakeholders with a detailed quantitative survey of 4,518 households in the worst affected areas of the Philippines. It aims to expand on the concept of durable solutions in the post-Haiyan context, and offers recommendations related to ongoing recovery and reconstruction efforts.

The study’s findings provide insights into durable solutions to internal displacement in post-disaster settings in general, an issue of growing importance considering the effects of climate change and the increased likelihood of major typhoons, according to the report’s authors.

“The Philippines, because of its location, is on the front lines of climate change, with devastating typhoons affecting the country more and more often, and affecting greater numbers of people,” added Marco Boasso, Chief of Mission of IOM Philippines.

“In the case of Haiyan, which was the strongest typhoon at landfall in recorded history, progress has been made in supporting affected communities to get back on their feet. But significant work remains. IOM is committed to supporting the government and the affected population in the process of achieving durable solutions,” Boasso explained.

“Durable solutions to internal displacement – in the context of natural disasters – are a critically important issue, especially considering the effects of climate change,” said IOM Deputy Director General Laura Thompson. “The IOM-Brookings study and its recommendations will contribute to the process of supporting durable solutions and long-term development needs in post-disaster environments,” she added.

Typhoon Haiyan was the strongest typhoon at landfall in recorded history, leading to the displacement of over four million people. Significant progress has been made in the 19 months since the event, but many challenges remain. As the study shows, on several key indicators including capacity to provide for basic needs and access to adequate, safe housing, the displaced continue to face particularly significant vulnerabilities and obstacles to achieving durable solutions, with less than one in five reporting that life has returned to normal since the typhoon.

Under the leadership of the Government of the Philippines, IOM and other partners remain committed to assisting affected populations in rebuilding their lives and, at the same time, preparing for and reducing the risks associated with future disasters.

The joint IOM-Brookings study on durable solutions to displacement post-Haiyan will also be presented later this month in Washington, D.C. and Manila.

To view the complete report, please visit: http://publications.iom.int/bookstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=41_7&products_id=1494

For further information, please contact Bradley Mellicker, IOM Philippines, Tacloban and Samar Office, Tel.: + +41 767 54 53 78, Email: bmellicker@iom.int or Ginette Kidd, IOM-DOE, Tel: +41 22 717 9342, Email: gkidd@iom.int