Protection of Internally Displaced Persons - Inter-Agency Standing Committee Policy Paper

The international response to crises of internal displacement has often tended to focus on material assistance. Agencies now recognise the importance of an agreed, comprehensive strategy for linking protection of, and assistance to internally displaced persons. However, the situation of the internally displaced varies from country to country. Strategies for response must be designed to take account of the willingness and capacity of national authorities to fulfil their responsibilities towards the internally displaced, and of the capacities and experience of agencies on the ground.

The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Policy acknowledges that both International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law contain provisions for protection against forced displacement and against abuses during displacement. The Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement of 1998 spell out these provisions in detail.