E/CN.4/1503 page 31
62. The decade covered by the Study illustrates the multi- plicity and complexity of exodus problems. People flee their native lands for a variety of reasons, and usually as a result of
a combination of factors rather than a single one. Amongst
these are wars and insurrections, the breakdown of law and order,
oppression and anarchy, persecution and the denial of oppor-
tunities for normal social and economic development.
Some may not have been singled out: they are simply alienated and feel
that their country can no longer provide them with a supportive
future. Others, particularly ethnic or religious minorities,
are often not accepted as full members of the community and may
be deliberately forced out.
63. In all these cases, the social contract has failed tempor-
arily or permanently. Even those who escape floods or famine
conditions may have to do so
because neither their government
nor the international community at large has been able to avert
the situation or bring them succour.
Where land has been
appropriated, social
social and cultural customs suppressed and only such alternatives offered as are deemed unacceptable, disaffec-
tion may be total. Yet these measures are usually carried out
in the name of modernization and progress. Herein lies much of
the crux of the matter.
64.
Where only a few decades ago, many societies were still
largely feudal or tribalized, education very
very far from being
universal, traditional authority could generally keep in check
divisive tendencies, and to the extent that they could not,
conflict was localized. In recent times, modern states at-
tempted to eradicate the tribal system and feudalism.
As