Eviction of the past : a development analysis of forced displacement-resettlement in Thu Thiem Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

The globe is rapidly urbanizing and over 1 billion people live in slums. These communities are characterized by their vulnerability to sudden economic shocks and other factors such as the environment. Around the world slums are viewed as an undesirable element of the urban landscape. Recently slum clearing has become more common and as a result forced displacement-resettlement has also increased in frequency. Vulnerable slum populations moved from their homes will experience a significant drop in their already low standard of living unless these resettlement programs are carried out in such a way that adequately works to prevent this. In Thu Thiem Ward the Ho Chi Minh City government is displacing 15 thousand households to make way for a “New Urban Zone”. This urban development represents modernity and progress to the Ho Chi Minh City authorities. In examining examples of forced displacement-resettlement from around the global south a profile of what successful displacement-resettlement looks like was constructed. This profile was used to discuss what the Ho Chi Minh City government did wrong with the displacement-resettlement process in Thu Thiem. Essentially good planning, active participation from the population to be resettled and adequate investment is the required elements of a successful displacement-resettlement program. The Ho Chi Minh City government failed to address all of these elements and as a result much of the displaced population’s poverty has been exacerbated. More research and increased support from the international community is needed to prevent more cases like Thu Thiem from happening in the future.