Protection Field Coordination Toolkit - Chapter 3: Internal Displacement

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