IDPs in Host Families and Host Communities: Assistance for Hosting Arrangements

The phenomenon of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees residing with host families is still relatively unexplored in comparison to what is known about IDPs and refugees living in camps. Of the nearly 14.7 million IDPs protected and assisted by UNHCR in 2010, an estimated 52% of the total live outside formal camps in both rural and urban areas. At least half of the 54 countries monitored by IDMC have few or no camps for IDPs. Alternative coping mechanisms, including living with host families in host communities, are the norm for a majority of IDPs. It is often as- sumed that IDPs in hosting arrangements are located mainly in urban areas and are likely to be more affluent than IDPs in camps - and consequently less vulnerable or in need of assistance. This view is being challenged by studies showing the extent of hosting in rural areas and the growing prevalence of host families and host communities suffering economic strains from sharing already meagre resources with IDPs.