This report considers how political economy analysis can be used to understand the drivers, dynamics and implications of internal displacement for development processes. It provides a synthesis of empirical research carried out through four case studies in Bangladesh, El Salvador, Iraq and Sudan, as well as interviews with UNDP teams in Central African Republic, Colombia, Somalia and Syria.

The report argues that an early and proactive approach to anticipating displacement and integrating the needs of displacement-affected communities into national development plans, strategies and laws is needed to achieve fully durable solutions. Political economy analysis is essential in this process, as it forms the basis for leveraging political will and promoting the restoration of displaced persons’ rights as citizens.