Unlocking protracted displacement: Central America's 'success story' reconsidered

Although the discourse of protracted displacement was not prominent at the time of the crisis, this was undoubtedly a protracted displacement situation: many Central Americans were uprooted for more than a decade before they were able to access a durable solution in the form of resettlement, local integration or voluntary return.

The struggle to resolve Central America's protracted displacement situation has often been heralded as a success story by researchers and practitioners. Upon closer analysis, however, it is clear that this case is far from a straightforward success. More than a decade has passed since the conclusion of formal efforts to resolve Central America's protracted displacement situation.