Invisibility of Urban IDPs in Europe

The article presents an overview of internally displaced people in European countries such as the Balkans, Caucasus and Turkey who have chosen to become virtually invisible in society so that they will not be forced to move again by city authorities or property owners. A discussion of the impact their decision to live in private accommodations in cities or informal settlements has had on the ability of humanitarian aid workers to profile the displaced people and monitor their needs is presented. The impact the large number of internally displaced people in urban settings has had on the ability of urban authorities to provide adequate services is discussed.