Internally Displaced Persons

Definition

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are individuals or groups of people who have been forced to flee or leave their homes or places of habitual residence, in particular as a result of or in order to avoid the effects of armed conflict, situations of generalized violence, violations of human rights, or natural or human-made disasters, and who have not crossed an internationally recognized state border.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internally displaced persons remain within their country\'s borders, unlike refugees who cross international borders.
2. The number of IDPs worldwide has steadily increased in recent decades, with over 59 million IDPs reported globally as of 2021.
3. Factors contributing to internal displacement include armed conflict, generalized violence, human rights violations, and natural or human-made disasters.
4. IDPs often face significant challenges in accessing basic services, such as healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities, due to their displacement.
5. The United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement provide a framework for the protection and assistance of IDPs.

Review Questions

• Explain the key distinction between internally displaced persons and refugees.
  • The primary distinction between internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees is that IDPs remain within their country\'s borders, while refugees have crossed an international border and sought protection in another country. Both groups have been forced to flee their homes due to similar circumstances, such as armed conflict, human rights violations, or natural disasters, but IDPs do not have the legal status and international protections afforded to refugees under international law.
• Describe the factors that contribute to the growing global issue of internal displacement.
  • The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) worldwide has been steadily increasing in recent decades, driven by a variety of factors. Armed conflict, generalized violence, and human rights violations are major contributors to internal displacement, as people are forced to flee their homes to escape these threats. Additionally, natural disasters and human-made disasters, such as environmental degradation or development projects, can also lead to the displacement of populations within a country\'s borders. The lack of effective prevention and response mechanisms, as well as limited access to basic services and livelihood opportunities for IDPs, further exacerbate the challenges faced by this vulnerable population.
• Evaluate the role of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement in addressing the needs and protecting the rights of internally displaced persons.
  • The United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement provide a comprehensive framework for the protection and assistance of internally displaced persons (IDPs). These principles establish the rights and guarantees relevant to the protection of IDPs from displacement, as well as during displacement and during return, resettlement, and reintegration. The Guiding Principles recognize IDPs\' right to seek safety, access humanitarian assistance, and return to their homes or places of habitual residence. They also emphasize the responsibility of national governments to protect and assist IDPs within their borders. While the Guiding Principles are not legally binding, they have become an important tool for advocating for the rights of IDPs and influencing national and international policies and practices related to internal displacement.

Related terms

Refugees: Persons who have fled their country of origin and crossed an international border due to a well-founded fear of persecution, conflict, violence, or other circumstances that have seriously disturbed public order.

Forced Migration: The movement of persons who are forced to leave their place of habitual residence, such as in times of armed conflict, violations of human rights, or natural or human-made disasters.

Humanitarian Assistance: Aid and action designed to save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain and protect human dignity during and in the aftermath of emergencies, including natural disasters and armed conflicts.