GP20 Compilation of National Practices to Prevent, Address and Find Durable Solutions to Internal Displacement

Internal displacement was first recognized as an issue of international concern by the United Nations (UN) Commission on Human Rights in 1991. Over the following 30 years, the UN Secretary-General’s appointment of a dedicated high-level advocate for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in 1992 sparked the development of the 1998 Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement (Guiding Principles), which in turn became the legal reference for an expansive set of normative standards, frameworks and guidance at the global, regional and national levels. Notably, by August 2020, at least 80 countries were known to have developed over 25 laws and 60 policies related to internal displacement.

Around the globe, responses to internal displacement are gradually shifting in seemingly small ways that could significantly impact how internal displacement is conceptualized and addressed in the future. Given the high number of IDPs worldwide, innovative approaches, building on the lessons learned to date, are needed to overcome the persistent challenges that repeatedly emerged throughout the practices presented in this report.

This compilation of practices on preventing, addressing and resolving internal displacement presents insights, lessons, and conclusions with respect to the GP20’s four priority areas, drawing on 22 case studies shared during the GP20 Initiative. It provides examples of how actors have sought to tackle key challenges, particularly in the following areas:

• i. Achieving sustained political will amongst relevant government authorities at all levels to address internal displacement;
• ii. Establishing government leadership and clearly designated roles and responsibilities across line ministries and at all levels of government;
• iii. Building effective partnerships and coordinated approaches between Governments, international actors, and civil society;
• iv. Ensuring adequate data to inform responses and monitor progress towards durable solutions;
• v. Effectively engaging IDPs, displacement-affected communities, and persons at risk of displacement;
• vi. Meeting IDPs’ needs at scale, particularly with respect to programmes seeking to prevent and find durable solutions to displacement that include livelihoods, housing, land and property, and social cohesion elements;
• vii. Anticipating the future impacts of climate change on population movements; and
• viii. Securing sufficient and flexible financial resources, particularly when faced with competing priorities.