Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of IDPs, GPC, UNHCR, Austria, Uganda, Honduras
Internally displaced persons are among the civilians most acutely affected by contemporary armed conflicts. Increasingly fragmented, urban and protracted, many armed conflicts today are characterized by severe violations of international humanitarian law. Such violations, including forced displacement, indiscriminate attacks against civilians, destruction of civilian infrastructure, conflict-related sexual violence and unlawful obstruction of humanitarian relief remain widespread despite clear prohibitions under international law. The erosion of respect for these legal norms not only triggers initial displacement and drives further exposure to violence, but also contributes to repeated or protracted cycles of displacement, deepening civilian harm and undermining prospects for recovery and durable solutions.
IDPs remain primarily dependent on their own States for protection, yet in many situations State authorities—or non-state armed groups operating beyond their control—are themselves perpetrators of displacement and IHL violations, while also holding pivotal roles in the search for pathways to peace and durable solutions. This reality underscores the need for strengthened compliance, accountability, and operational guidance to ensure that legal protections are meaningfully implemented. Examples of such protective actions, including by States, non-state armed groups, international organizations, civil society and IDPs themselves, remain an important source of comparative learning and practice.
The report of the UN Special Rapporteur to the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council seeks to understand the impact of these challenges on IDPs by examining recurring patterns of violations and identifying protection gaps, while also proposing legal, policy, and operational measures to reinforce civilian protection, prevent (recurrent) displacement, and support durable solutions.
Description of the Event
The side event will bring together representatives of Member States, International Organizations, Civil Society Organizations and other stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities for the protection of human rights of people internally displaced and respect for international humanitarian law. The discussion will consider examples from different regions, highlight effective practices, and share recommendations from the Special Rapporteur’s report.