Definition of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs):

The principles define IDPs as persons or groups of persons who have been forced or obliged to flee or to leave their homes or places of habitual residence, in particular as a result of armed conflict, internal strife, violations of human rights, or natural or human-made disasters.

Protection of IDPs:

The principles affirm that IDPs are entitled to the same rights and freedoms as other individuals within their country, including protection from discrimination, arbitrary displacement, and other human rights violations.

Prevention and Protection from Arbitrary Displacement:

States are obligated to take measures to prevent arbitrary displacement of individuals or groups within their territory. Any displacement that occurs should be carried out in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles.

Assistance and Support:

IDPs are entitled to receive humanitarian assistance and protection from their government, as well as from international organizations and other actors. States are responsible for ensuring that IDPs have access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education.

Durable Solutions:

The principles emphasize the importance of finding durable solutions to the plight of IDPs, including the voluntary return to their homes, local integration into host communities, or resettlement in another part of the country. States are encouraged to facilitate the voluntary return and reintegration of IDPs in a safe and dignified manner.

Responsibility of States:

States have the primary responsibility for protecting and assisting IDPs within their territory. They are obligated to respect, protect, and fulfill the human rights of IDPs, as well as to cooperate with the international community to address the needs of displaced populations.

Guiding Principles for Humanitarian Action:

The principles provide guidance for humanitarian actors, including governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations, on how to effectively respond to the needs of IDPs while upholding humanitarian principles such as neutrality, impartiality, and independence.

Conclusion

These guiding principles have played a crucial role in raising awareness about the rights and needs of internally displaced persons and have served as a framework for the development of national laws, policies, and programs to address internal displacement around the world.

The post Protecting the Vulnerable: Understanding the 1998 Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement” appeared first on Development Work, Conflict Transformation, and PeaceBuilding... Informed Capacity Development for Diverse Stakeholders.

1. Conflict and Violence:

• DRC (Central Africa): Decades-long ethnic tensions, rebellions, and competition for resources have displaced millions.
• Nigeria (West Africa): The Boko Haram insurgency and intercommunal violence in the Middle Belt displace communities.
• Somalia (East Africa): Al-Shabaab’s insurgency and clan clashes have caused long-term displacement.
• South Sudan (East Africa): Civil war and ethnic violence have displaced a significant portion of the population.
• Ethiopia (East Africa): The Tigray conflict and ethnic clashes have caused recent internal displacement.
• Sudan (North Africa): The Darfur conflict and ongoing violence in Blue Nile and South Kordofan states displace people.

2. Climate Shocks and Environmental Degradation:

• Senegal (West Africa): Droughts and land degradation threaten livelihoods, forcing some to relocate.
• Burkina Faso (West Africa): Droughts and desertification contribute to displacement, especially in rural areas.
• Mali (West Africa): Droughts, floods, and competition for scarce resources displace communities.
• Mozambique (Southern Africa): Cyclones and floods cause recurring displacement, impacting infrastructure and livelihoods.
• Madagascar (Southern Africa): Droughts and cyclones are becoming more frequent due to climate change, displacing populations.
• Kenya (East Africa): Droughts and floods disrupt agricultural production, leading to displacement, especially among pastoralist communities.

3. Socioeconomic Factors:

• Uganda (East Africa): Land disputes and rapid development projects can displace communities.
• Ghana (West Africa): Exploitation of natural resources can lead to displacement and environmental degradation.
• Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa): Political instability and land tenure issues contribute to internal displacement.

4. Governance Issues:

• Zimbabwe (Southern Africa): Political and economic instability can create environments conducive to displacement.
• Central African Republic (Central Africa): Weak governance and lack of security contribute to displacement due to violence.

Additional Factors:

• Rapid Urbanization: Strains resources in cities and can lead to informal settlements vulnerable to disasters.
• Resource Competition: Competition for scarce resources like water and land can trigger conflict and displacement, especially among pastoralist communities.

These drivers often act in combination, creating complex displacement scenarios. Addressing these issues requires a multi-pronged approach that tackles conflict, promotes sustainable development, strengthens governance, and builds resilience to climate change.

It’s important to note that these drivers often interact and exacerbate each other. For example, conflict can worsen environmental degradation, while climate shocks can heighten tensions over resources and lead to violence.

Addressing internal displacement in Sub-Saharan Africa requires a multifaceted approach that tackles conflict resolution, strengthens governance, promotes sustainable development, and builds resilience to climate shocks.

The post Beyond Borders: A Look at Internal Displacement in Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and Beyond appeared first on Development Work, Conflict Transformation, and PeaceBuilding... Informed Capacity Development for Diverse Stakeholders.