AbdulRehman Foundation

Guiding principles on internal displacement are a set of guidelines that provide a framework for the protection and assistance of internally displaced persons (IDPs). These principles were developed to address the specific needs and challenges faced by individuals and communities who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflicts, violence, natural disasters, or other human rights violations, but have not crossed an international border.The Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement were first presented to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in 1998 and have since been widely recognized and endorsed as an authoritative framework for addressing internal displacement. They were developed by the Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on Internally Displaced Persons, in consultation with governments, international organizations, and civil society.The following are the key guiding principles on internal displacement:1. Protection from arbitrary displacement: IDPs should be protected from arbitrary displacement, and measures should be taken to prevent and halt forced displacement. Authorities should respect and uphold the rights of individuals to remain in their homes and communities.2. Non-discrimination: IDPs should not be discriminated against based on their displacement. All individuals should be treated equally, regardless of their race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, or any other characteristic.3. Protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms: IDPs should enjoy the same human rights and fundamental freedoms as any other person. Their rights to life, liberty, and security of person, as well as access to food, shelter, healthcare, and education, should be ensured.4. Security and physical protection: IDPs should be protected from violence, abuse, and exploitation. Authorities should take measures to ensure their safety and provide a secure environment, including effective law enforcement, access to justice, and accountability for crimes committed against IDPs.5. Access to humanitarian assistance and protection: IDPs have the right to receive humanitarian assistance, including food, shelter, medical care, and other essential services. Humanitarian actors should have timely and unimpeded access to IDPs in need.6. Durable solutions: Efforts should be made to find durable solutions to internal displacement, including voluntary return to their homes when conditions allow, local integration into the host community, or resettlement in another part of the country. The preferences and best interests of IDPs should be taken into account.7. Participation and consultation: IDPs should have the right to participate in decisions that affect them and be consulted on issues related to their displacement, return, and reintegration. Their voices should be heard and included in planning, implementation, and monitoring of policies and programs.8. Cooperation and responsibility-sharing: Governments, international organizations, civil society, and other relevant stakeholders should work together to address the needs of IDPs. Responsibility for protecting and assisting IDPs rests primarily with the national authorities, but international cooperation and support are crucial.These guiding principles provide a comprehensive framework for addressing the complex challenges of internal displacement and ensuring the rights and well-being of IDPs are upheld. They serve as a valuable tool for policymakers, humanitarian actors, and advocates working on internal displacement issues.