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Chapter 3: Internal Displacement
This chapter is part of the GPC Protection Field Coordination Toolkit. The Toolkit can be used by all Protection Clusters and cluster-like mechanisms – such as Protection Sectors and Protection Working Groups – working within the cluster system framework. This guidance is also available to partners and other organisations who want to understand the principles and practices of protection coordination.
Overview Chapter 3
Internal displacement occurs when individuals or groups are forced to flee their homes due to armed conflict, generalized violence, human rights violations, or natural or human-made disasters, but remain within their country’s borders. Unlike refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs) do not cross an international boundary and therefore do not acquire a special legal status under international law. The Protection Cluster plays a central role in ensuring that protection risks faced by IDPs are identified and addressed, and in promoting rights-based approaches that place the dignity and safety of displaced populations at the center of humanitarian action.
This chapter contains:
- Introduction to internal displacement and the unique needs of IDPs.
- Legal frameworks that guide IDP protection.
- Role of the Protection Cluster in addressing IDP protection and solutions.
- Global guidance and key resources.
Toolkit Chapters:
- Ch.1: Humanitarian Coordination Overview
- Ch.2: Humanitarian Programme Cycle
- Ch.3: Internal Displacement
- Ch.4: Protection in Armed Conflict
- Ch.5: Centrality of Protection
- Ch.6: Climate, Disaster, and Sudden Onset Emergencies
- Ch.7: Durable Solutions
- Ch.8: Cluster Transition, Deactivation and Reform
- Ch.9: Advocacy and Communication
- Ch.10: Data Responsibility and Safe Information Management
- Ch.11: Cross-Cutting Issues (AGD, MPHSS, AAP, PSEA, Protection Mainstreaming)
- Ch.12: Understanding Programmatic Approaches and Interventions