Protecting the Vulnerable: Understanding the 1998 Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement”

The 1998 Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement are a landmark document in international law that outline the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and provide guidelines for their protection. Here are some of the key highlights:

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.