ABSTRACT
The launch of the global 'war on terrorism' since 11 September 2001 has had an impact on the situation of internally displaced people in Asia. Furthermore, the escalated counter-terrorist operations initiated by some Asian countries have raised concerns among human rights observers that personal and civil liberties may be infringed and the protection of vulnerable groups such as the internally displaced ultimately undermined. Although ethnic or religious in nature, many conflicts in Asia are rooted in poverty and the exclusion of certain regions or social groups from the economic development process. The economic success and political predominance of migrant groups in the context of depressed national economies has created deep resentment among local populations. As of early 2002, over 4.6 million people were internally displaced because of armed conflict in Asia and the Pacific, with another 3.4 million exiled across borders as refugees.
