EXPERT STATEMENT ON INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS October 2, 2015

The workshop concluded that there is urgent need to raise the visibility of IDPs in two principal regards: gaining access to IDPs in acute crises, such as Syria, in order to provide effective protection; and finding solutions for IDPs in the many protracted situations of displacement that have already lasted for decades. [...] IDPs fall naturally within the theme of the WHS relating to “Serving the Needs of People in Conflict,” though issues related to internal displacement are also related to disasters and adverse effects of climate change and fit within the other themes of the WHS as well. [...] We urge the Secretary General to reference both problems in his report to the WHS and urge governments to reinvigorate their efforts to ensure the protection of IDPs as a specific population of concern in conflict settings who have special needs that are too often being neglected. [...] The SG’s report can reinforce that concerted effort on the part of the entire international community is needed to address these problems: to ensure access to all IDPs and to find solutions for IDPs as soon as is practicable. [...] Whether because of the downgrading of the position of Special Representative to Special Rapporteur or because of the limits of the strictly human rights approach, there appears to be a vacuum of leadership in bringing attention to the needs of IDPs.