Brookings: Topics - Internal Displacement

Humanitarian Response Index 2009: Clarifying Donor Priorities

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 10, 2009, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Every year, humanitarian crises threaten the lives and livelihoods of over 250 million people worldwide, and donor governments must make the best use of their resources, knowledge and capabilities to respond to these challenges. On November 10, the Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement will host the launch of the Development Assistance Research Associates Humanitarian Response Index 2009, which helps donor governments ensure that humanitarian assistance has the greatest possible impact for people suffering the effects of crises and disasters.

The Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Since 2004 there have been encouraging trends related to internal displacement. Walter Kälin notes that the use of the Guiding Principles as the relevant framework for protecting IDPs and the development of national and regional laws and policies on internal displacement have been positive trends. However, despite such positive trends, the challenges presented by climate change, the disregard for civilian populations in conflict zones, a shrinking humanitarian space, and protracted displacement situations still remain unchanged.

African Union Convention on Protection and Assistance for Internally Displaced Persons in Africa

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Forced displacement is a devastating experience that often takes years or even decades to recover from. Africa hosts the worlds largest population of internally displaced persons and, as Walter Kälin points out, has taken the initiative to go beyond the existing state of law by creating the first binding international law on internally displaced persons.

An African Solution to Internal Displacement: AU Leaders Agree to Landmark Convention

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Decades of armed conflict, natural disasters and climate change, have given rise to sizable populations of internally displaced persons (IDPs) throughout Africa. On October 23, African heads of state and government signed a legally binding convention on internal displacement, which as Andrew Solomon notes, demonstrates their commitment to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of IDPs, to facilitate durable solutions and to ensure that millions of people are no longer excluded from society as a whole.

Internal Displacement and Peace Mediation

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The need to protect the rights of persons displaced by conflict and find durable solutions to their displacement is inextricably linked to achieving a viable, sustainable peace. Therefore, as Andrew Solomon argues, no realistic plan for peace and reconciliation should ignore the rights and interests of internally displaced persons.

Regional Workshop on Protection and Response in Situations of Natural Disaster

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Central America is a region constantly exposed to risks from natural disasters. It is important for governments to develop a human rights based approach to disaster response in order to decrease the likelihood of human rights violations of the victims of natural disasters. In order to promote the development of such strategies as well as strengthen the cooperation of humanitarian and human rights agencies in the field, CONRED, CEPREDENAC, and the Brookings-Bern Project, with the support of the Embassy of Switzerland, convened a workshop on disaster response and protection in situations of natural disaster in El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala.

Protection in Natural Disasters

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

People affected by natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes, volcanoes, and other calamities often face urgent protection needs that may not be immediately visible to humanitarian actors caught up in trying to provide water, food, shelter, medical care and other lifesaving assistance. In this paper, Elizabeth Ferris and Diane Paul provide an overview of protection challenges confronting those affected by natural disasters.

Looking Ahead: Natural Disasters, Protection and Climate Change

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The effects of rapid climate change have led to an increase in natural disasters. The international system is seeking to strengthen and expand its approaches in responding to natural disasters, reflecting a sense of urgency and fresh perspectives. A more coordinated, adaptable and rights-based approach to sustainable development may offer vulnerable populations the ability to protect themselves from natural disasters.

Up Close and from the Tower: Two Views of Refugee and Internally Displaced Populations

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The numbers are startling. There are close to 40 million refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the world today, uprooted by conflict and human rights violations. The problems facing the refugees and IDPs are daunting. While reviewing two books, Cohen argues that the overall problem of forced migration goes beyond humanitarian and human rights solutions, requiring multilateral action aimed at preventing and resolving the crises at the heart of displacement.

Report of the Representative of the Secretary-General on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Internal displacement continues to be one of the world's major humanitarian and human rights challenges and many internally displaced persons (IDPs) experience serious violations of their human rights. In his annual report to the UN General Assembly, Walter Kälin argues that it is important to translate the increasing recognition of the human rights dimension of internal displacement at the international and regional levels into effective action at the national and local levels of government.

Protecting the Displaced in Colombia: The Role of Municipal Authorities

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In most societies, citizens have more interaction with municipal authorities than with national government officials. The same is true in Colombia. However, policies that address displacement are often developed by the national government and left to the municipal authorities to implement. In this report, the Brookings-Bern Project presents the issues discussed at a workshop for municipal authorities in how to better respond to the needs of Colombia's IDPs.

Crisis in Pakistan: Educate Women and Girls for Long-term Solutions

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Pakistan’s humanitarian crisis brings a sharp focus on the need for long-term socio-economic development in the Northern region. In the Conflict Resolution and Prevention Forum, Rebecca Winthrop addressed the humanitarian crisis in Pakistan and called for further innovation and investment of education for girls and women.

At Long Last: Finally Peace for Sri Lanka

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On May 16, 2009, the Sri Lankan government announced that it had overrun the last insurgent stronghold and that 26 years of civil conflict had finally come to an end. Despite the end of the war, the humanitarian emergency continues. And, as Elizabeth Ferris argues, the underlying causes of the Tamils' demands—whether for autonomy or simply greater respect for their human rights—have yet to be addressed.

Peace, Reconciliation, and Displacement

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Displacement is one of the tragic consequences of conflict. Elizabeth Ferris argues that once a conflict ends, resolving displacement and preventing future displacement is inextricably linked with achieving a lasting peace.

Going Home? Prospects and Pitfalls for Large-Scale Return of Iraqis

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Recently discussion has turned to the prospects for the large-scale return of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) to Iraq. More than 4 million Iraqis have been displaced, either internally or externally. And while the Iraqi and US governments, policymakers in the region, and humanitarian actors assume that most will return to Iraq in the near future, Elizabeth Ferris points out that experience with other displacement crises indicates that return will be neither automatic nor straightforward.

Protecting and Promoting Rights in Natural Disasters in South Asia

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

South Asia is a "theater for disaster." In the past decade alone floods, cyclones, earthquakes, droughts, and a devastating tsunami destroyed hundreds of thousands of lives and livelihoods and left millions more homeless. In each disaster, humanitarian responders rushed to the scene to preserve human life and reduce immediate suffering. However, many times, human rights protection has been a secondary concern. This new report, based on a regional meeting in Chennai, India, discusses the challenges in incorporating human rights into disaster response in South Asia.

Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons in Serbia

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It is positive, and a clear step forward, that Serbian authorities like the Serbian Commissioner for Refguees have started programs to help IDPs leave collective centers, move to their own houses, and regain their livelihoods. Yet, as Walter Kälin points out in an address to the Parliament of Serbia, bureaucratic obstacles continue to make it unnecessarily difficult for many IDPs to access public services.

Comparative Perspectives on Laws and Policies Addressing Internal Displacement

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

To date, over twenty countries, including Turkey, have already adopted policies or legislation specifically addressing internal displacement—many of which are based on the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement—and other countries are in the process of doing so. In this statement, Elizabeth Ferris puts the issue of law and policy development into the broader framework of national responsibility and gives an overview of the ways in which governments have addressed internal displacement in their laws and policies, including in the search for durable solutions.

Climate Change, Natural Disasters, and Internal Displacement

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

An estimated 50-200 million people may move by the middle of the century as a result of the negative effects of climate change, either within their countries or across borders, on a permanent or temporary basis. While some of this movement may be voluntary, some of it will not. Walter Kälin points out that there are significant differences in both groups' situations and the responses to their migrations must also be different.

Protracted Displacement in Europe

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Over the last few years, the internal displacement situation in Europe has remained stagnant. Europe continues to have more than 2.5 million IDPs, over 99% of whom find themselves in situations of protracted displacement. In order to improve the situation of IDPs in Europe, Walter Kälin argues that both the adoption of the Draft Resolution before the Parliamentary Assembly as well as a national laws and policies "would radically change the fate of these forgotten people."

The Failure to Protect: Battle-Affected IDPs in Southern Afghanistan

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Civilians have long borne the brunt of the conflict in Afghanistan. According to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, civilian casualties in 2008 were 40% higher than the previous year. However, although civilian casualties are widely covered and are being addressed, Alex Mundt and Susanne Schmeidl point out that the broader protection concerns, particularly the plight of battle-affected IDPs, remain invisible and largely unacknowledged.

HIV/AIDS and the Protection of the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The phenomenon of internal displacement, affecting between 24-26 million people, combined with the estimated 10.5 million refugees worldwide, has been characterized by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon as "arguably the most significant humanitarian challenge we face." Further, as Walter Kälin points out, this challenge is even more serious where it overlaps with other key humanitarian challenges such as the global AIDS epidemic, whose impact on the internally displaced is unclear.

Pakistani Displacement: Lessons Learned from Other Mass Displacement Situations

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Once again the newspaper headlines report a massive displacement crisis. This time the displaced are fleeing counter-insurgency campaigns in Pakistan. Though the situation of displacement in Pakistan will have its own unique circumstances, Ferris points out that there are some lessons learned from other displacement situations that may be applicable to planning an appropriate response.

Internal Displacement in Iraq: The Process of Working toward Durable Solutions

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

With increased levels of security in Iraq in 2008-9, displaced persons have begun to make decisions about their future: whether to return to their place of origin, locally integrate or resettle in a third location. As Jamille Bigio and Jen Scott argue, the time is ripe to assess how the government of Iraq, with the support of international and national actors, can advance the process of achieving durable solutions to displacement.

Pakistan's Displaced Girls and Women—an Opportunity for Education

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Since November 2008, the fighting between the Pakistan government and Taliban militants has displaced over two and a half million people. In the midst of this crisis, Rebecca Winthrop identifies a window of opportunity to improve the education situation of girls and women, one that will sow long-term benefits for the region’s recovery and development.

Mass Displacement Caused by Conflicts and One-Sided Violence

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Massive displacement of people within and across borders has become a defining feature of the post-cold war world. It is also a major feature of human insecurity in which genocide, terrorism, egregious human rights violations and appalling human degradation wreak havoc on civilians. Though there has been a critical shift in thinking at the international level with regards to forced displacement, Cohen and Deng argue that concepts of sovereignty as responsibility and the responsibility to protect remain far ahead of international willingness and capacity to enforce them.

Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement: Annual Report 2008

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

2008 marked the tenth anniversary of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement—an occasion both to commemorate efforts over the past decade to uphold the human rights of IDPs and to remind ourselves that much remains to be done. In this report, the Project presents its work from 2008 and discusses the challenges that lie ahead.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place: The Return of Internally Displaced Persons to Northern Afghanistan

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

At first glance, the return of hundreds of displaced Pashtun families from war-torn Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan to their villages of origin in the comparatively peaceful north would seem an obvious and attractive option. It is a solution welcomed by a beleagured Afghan government and supported by the United Nations agencies. But, as with many things in Afghanistan, as Mundt, Schmeidl, and Ziai argue, apperances often deceive.

Civilian Humanitarian Action Needed in Pakistan

Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Pakistan's aggressive military campaign against the Taliban's growing threat has resulted in almost a million Pakistanis being displaced in the past two weeks—in addition to the 500,000 who were displaced last fall by fighting. Despite the turmoil, Beth Ferris says there is an opportunity to strengthen civilian government, build strong civil society organizations and support internally displaced people in a way that builds confidence in their government.

The Migration-Displacement Nexus in Afghanistan

Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Migration and displacement in and from Afghanistan are bewilderingly complex. One of the world's largest protracted refugee situations coincides with the largest repatriation in recent history. Returnees to Afghanistan cross paths with increasing numbers of cross-border migrants, traders, and new refugees moving in the opposite direction. Other returnees have become IDPs. Khalid Koser argues that as a result, Afghanistan's border regions illustrate a "migration-displacement nexus."

What Europe Can Do for Iraq: A Blueprint for Action

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

To explore the strategies by which Europe can increase its commitment in Iraq and make a constructive difference, the Center on the U.S. and Europe and the Heinrich Böll Foundation convened a workshop in April 2009. In this paper, Justin Vaisse and Sebastian Gräfe summarize the consolidated advice advocated by the workshop participants.

Humanitarian Perspectives on the International Law Commission's Report "Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters"

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

All humanitarian work is, or should be, grounded in international human rights law.

The Impact of Timing of International Criminal Indictments on Peace Processes and Humanitarian Action

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Since 2002, the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor has issued four criminal indictments, carefully navigating turbulent national and international political waters. In each case, the timing of the indictments has elicited much controversy, particularly regarding their potential impact on peace agreements or ongoing negotiations. According to Jacqueline Geis and Alex Mundt, at issue is a fundamental debate over whether peace and justice can be pursued simultaneously.

The Deepening Humanitarian Crisis in Sri Lanka: An Update from the Field

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 20, 2009, 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM

On April 20, the Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement will host a discussion offering different perspectives on the humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka, moderated by Project co-director Elizabeth Ferris, and including representatives from the United Nations, US Department of State, Human Rights Watch, and the Point Pedro Institute.

Internal Displacement and the Role of Parliamentarians in Times of Crises

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

One of the tragic and yet regular consequences of the absence of peace is forced displacement. All too often, civilian populations become the target of armed forces and insurgents who drive them away from their lands. National parliaments and their members play a key role in addressing this challenge.

Internal Displacement and Peacebuilding in Colombia

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The advances in laws related to IDPs have not addressed the relationship between internal displacement and peacebuilding in Colombia. Elizabeth Ferris explores the issue.

An Institutional Gap for Disaster IDPs

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Climate change is expected to sharply increase the number and severity of natural disasters, displacing millions on all continents. Roberta Cohen argues that the international community needs to recognize "disaster IDPs" and establish new institutional arrangements to protect their human rights.

What can Europe do for Iraq?

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 01, 2009, 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM

On April 1, the Center on the U.S. and Europe and the Heinrich Böll Foundation convened a workshop to explore the strategies by which Europe can increase its commitment in Iraq and make a constructive difference.

The Scouting Report: Humanitarian Crises in Iraq and Darfur

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

March 25, 2009, 12:30 PM to 01:30 PM

Brookings expert Elizabeth Ferris and Senior Politico Editor Fred Barbash took questions about humanitarian issues in Iraq and Darfur as well as the ICC's arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omara Hassan al-Bashir in this week’s edition of the Scouting Report.

Human Rights and Internal Displacement

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Marking the 10th Anniversary of the adoption of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement has provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the Guiding Principles. However, according to Walter Kälin, the dire situation on the ground for the world's over 26 million IDPs indicates that more work needs to be done.

Forced Displacement and Housing, Land, and Property Ownership Challenges in Post-Conflict and Reconstruction

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Post-conflict reconstruction and stabilization requires protecting and assisting internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have been uprooted from their homes and made vulnerable to violence, exploitation, discrimination and other human rights violations. In this paper, Andrew Solomon and others review the international standards and best practices for protecting the housing, land and property rights of IDPs.

Internal Displacement and the Construction of Peace

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Colombia has one of the world’s largest populations of internally displaced persons (IDPs), estimated between 2.6 and 4.3 million people. Although Colombia’s government has implemented political reconciliation and socioeconomic stabilization measures in recent years, long-term solutions for millions of displaced Colombians continue to be elusive.

The Responsibility to Protect: Human Rights and Humanitarian Dimensions

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Everyone would agree that international human rights standards are the foundation of the responsibility to protect (R2P). States have an obligation to protect their populations from the worst atrocities on the basis of international human rights precepts. However, it was not until the advent of R2P that the international community accepted for the first time the collective responsibility to act should states fail to protect citizens from genocide, ethnic cleansing, war crimes or crimes against humanity.

Humanitarian Space, Humanitarian Principles: Experiences from Iraq and Afghanistan

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

February 20, 2009, 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM

The basic principles of humanitarian action are being challenged from all sides. Upholding the neutrality of humanitarian action and protecting humanitarian space is increasingly difficult and perhaps nowhere as much as in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Displacement in the Muslim World

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Throughout the Muslim world, millions of people have been forced to flee their homes and communities for many reasons, including both conflicts and natural disasters. This massive displacement of people affects both national development plans and individual human development, affecting relationships between countries, UN Security Council discussions, and peace processes. In short, as Hady Amr and Elizabeth Ferris argue, understanding—and resolving—displacement is central to development, peace, and security.

Displacement, Human Development, and Security in Afghanistan

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Nearly five million refugees have returned to Afghanistan since 2002 and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) often cites Afghanistan as a positive example of refugee repatriation. In reality, however, the return of Afghan refugees may prove to be one of the most ill-conceived policies in the Islamic world in recent times.

Displacement in the Muslim World: A Focus on Afghanistan and Iraq

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Iraq and Afghanistan face displacement crises of massive proportions. According to best estimates, the number approaches two million refugees and 2.8 million IDPs. Although the pace of displacement has slowed since mid-2007, few IDPs and refugees have been able to return, their resources are running out, and international assistance has been inadequate. The longer displacement lasts, the more complicated it will be to resolve.

Resettling Iraq's Four Million Displaced

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Hanlon and Raid Juhi Hamadi al Saedi, the judge who presided over Saddam Hussein's trial, write that Iraq's recent progress is fragile and several major unresolved issues could threaten the country's future stability. Nothing is more fundamental, they argue, than the effort to help more than 4 million individuals displaced by violence to return home safely without igniting another round of sectarian killing and cleansing as they do so.

The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Beyond Band-Aid Solutions

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

January 14, 2009, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

The latest conflict in Gaza has exacerbated an already fragile humanitarian situation and created another humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. The Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement hosted a discussion on the humanitarian situation in Gaza within the broader context of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.

Toolbox: The Refugee Imperative in Iraq

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The recent news from Iraq has been mostly good. Violence is down significantly, sectarian militias are giving ground to Iraqi security forces, and we see signs of a political process that could foster reconciliation, deliver basic services and pave the way for an orderly U.S. withdrawla. However, one major threat to Iraq's hard-won stability has yet to be fully acknowledged, let alone addressed: the problem of displacement.

Internally Displaced Persons: A Neglected Issue on the International Agenda

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the world commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Elizabeth Ferris writes that it is timely to focus on international efforts to uphold the rights of those who have been forced to leave their homes and communities.

Assessing the Impact of the Guiding Principles: An Unfinished Task

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Guiding Prinicples' objectives were clear but, ten years on, how can we assess their impact? The late Sérgio Vieira de Mello identified four ways the Principles might benefit IDPs: raising awareness of their needs; mobilizing support within the humanitarian community; helping field staff find solutions; and assisting governments to provide for IDPs' security and well-being. In this article, Elizabeth Ferris examines the impact of the Guiding Principles by examining their progress made on Vieira de Mello's points.

The Genesis and the Challenges of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this article, Roberta Cohen and Francis Deng explain that the need for international standards to protect and assist internally displaced persons arose directly from the explosion of civil wars in the last decade of the 20th century. These wars left tens of millions uprooted within the borders of their own countries.

Iraq's Displaced: Where to Turn?

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Refugees and internally displaced persons are hardly a new phenomenon for Iraq. Under Saddam Hussein's regime, forced displacement was a tool used to subdue recalcitrant populations and punish political opponents. Roberta Cohen says that the U.S. invasion and the toppling of Saddam Hussein, far from resolving the problem however, made it worse. The ensuing conflicts increased the number of people forced to flee their homes and a combination of national and international steps needs to be taken.

Guiding Principle 29 and the Right to Restitution

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The emergence of the right to post-displacement property restitution represents a significant development in human rights law in the ten years since the Guiding Principles were submitted. While Guiding Principle 29 has contributed to the development of this right, significant obstacles remain to its consistent application in displacement settings.

The Future of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this article, Walter Kälin explains that while it is hard to take an objective view on an enterprise in which you have been closely involved, he thinks that it is fair to say that over the last ten years the Guiding Principles have demonstrated their utility and impact but also their limitations.

Minorities, Displacement, and Iraq's Future

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It is no coincidence that many internally displaced persons and refugees are members of minority groups. In every region of the world, minorities have been repressed, killed and displaced by governments and other armed actors seeking to take over their territory, command their loyalty, and control their actions. In this paper, Elizabeth Ferris & Kimberly Stoltz examine the relationship between minorities and displacement, with a particular emphasis on Iraq's smaller minorities.

Returns to Iraq: Questions and More Questions

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As violent incidents decrease in Iraq and as US combat troops prepare to withdraw, expectations will grow that Iraqis will return to their communities in growing numbers. In fact, UN Officials and political leaders in Iraq, the region, and the US have always expected that return will be the durable solution for Iraqi IDPs and refugees without giving serious consideration to other options. For returns to be successful, the government of Iraq and the international community need to learn from the lessons of other mass returns of displaced populations and refugees.

Putting Principles Into Action: Ten Years of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

December 17, 2008, 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

In 1998, 30 basic principles describing human rights standards for the internally displaced were presented to the United Nations. These principles were adopted and are today known as the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement and are the international standard on protecting the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs). The Brookings-Bern Project hosted a panel discussion on the successes of the Guiding Principles as well as challenges that remain in protecting the rights of IDPs.

Public Policies to Assist Internally Displaced Persons: The Role of Municipal Authorities

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The intensification of the armed conflict in Colombia during the 1990s provoked the forced displacement of more than 2.4 million people, with the vast majority of municipalities either losing or receiving persons displaced by the conflict. Though Colombia has several national laws and decrees on internal displacement, implementation has been slow and uneven throughout the different state and municipal institutions. In this new report commissioned by the Brookings-Bern Project, Ana María Ibañez and Andrea Valásquez, examine the obstacles to greater involvement by municipal authorities with IDPs, focusing on four cases: Bogotá, Medellín, Antioquia, and Santa Marta.

Protracted Displacement in Europe: Perspectives and Solutions

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

While Africa could be considered the continent of internal displacement because it has more than 12 of the roughly 25 million displaced by armed conflict worldwide, Europe, with its estimated 2.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), could be called the continent of protracted displacement, since 99% of Europe's remaining displaced fled their homes some 15-25 years ago. In recent years, some governments have taken important steps to improve their situation, but overall the situation of most IDPs remains a cause for concern.

The Future of Humanitarianism: A Conversation with the ICRC’s Pierre Krähenbühl

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 24, 2008, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

The growing number and complexity of emergency situations in the world today places increasing pressure on the humanitarian community to respond effectively. On November 24, Brookings will host Pierre Krähenbühl, director of operations for the International Committee of the Red Cross, for a discussion on the future of humanitarianism.

Crisis in Congo: The Search for an International Response

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 14, 2008, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

With escalating tensions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), more than 200,000 displaced civilians are living in camps seeking refuge from the violence. Given the ever-worsening situation in the DRC, what are the options to prevent a humanitarian disaster? Will the international community organize an effective international response? On November 14, the Brookings Institution will host a discussion on the crisis in Congo.

Internal Displacement, Transitional Justice, and Peacebuilding: Lessons Learned

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

There is a close relationship between finding solutions for displaced persons and peacebuilding as peacebuilding involves: re-establishing security and law and order, reconstruction and economic rehabilitation, reconciliation and social rehabilitation, and political transition to creating more accountable governance structures and institutions. If IDP concerns in these areas are not taken seriously, it may jeopardize the sustainability of peace in the country.

Gaps in the Protection of Those Displaced by Climate Change

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gaps in protection still remain for those people displaced by climate change within their own countries.

Renewed Effort Needed to Help the Displaced

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Ten years after the UN defined legal rights for them, internally displaced people - refugees in their own countries - remain a neglected global responsibility.

Durable Solutions for IDPs in Protracted Situations: Three Case Studies

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Though there are important similarities in the impact of prolonged displacement on the lives of IDPs and refugees, there are also significant differences in their situations -- particularly when it comes to solutions. While return is often the desired solution for both IDPs and political actors, Alex Mundt and Elizabeth Ferris argue that local integration and return should not be seen as mutually exclusive alternatives, as they can encourage IDPs to build new lives elsewhere without having to give up the possibility of an eventual return.

Taking Stock and Moving Forward: RSG Statement to the UN General Assembly

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Despite important achievements, people continue to be displaced and their rights continue to be violated. Millions of internally displaced persons continue to languish in protracted situations. Humanitarian access in particular to persons displaced during armed conflicts is often not possible. While we should indeed be proud of the improvements since the adoption of the Guiding Principles, much remains to be done.

Natural Disasters, Human Rights and the Role of National Human Rights Institutions

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Most people who are displaced by natural disasters remain within the borders of their country, making them internally displaced persons (IDPs) as defined by the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the national government to provide protection and assistance to them and to facilitate durable solutions for their displacement. In disaster response, Elizabeth Ferris argues, it is necessary to develop a rights-based approach to guarantee that the rights of those who've been displaced by the disaster are protected.

Displacement, Natural Disasters, and Human Rights

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In the course of the past year, over 400 natural disasters took 16,000 lives, affected close to 250 million people and displaced many millions. But many humanitarian actors continue to see natural disasters and those displaced by them as marginal to the central thrust of humanitarian action: responding to those affected by conflict.

Protecting Internally Displaced Persons: A Manual for Law and Policymakers

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Currently an estimated 26 million men, women and children have been displaced within their countries' borders because of conflict, with even larger numbers displaced by natural disasters and development projects. While this is a global phenomenon, responsibility rests with national governments.

Strengthening the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Forced displacement is not just a passing event in people's lives. It is a devastating transformation that shatters lives. In order to protect the rights of the displaced, through all phases of displacement, the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement were drafted and adopted by the United Nations. Today, ten years later, they are as relevant as ever in protecting those displaced by conflict, natural disasters and development projects.

Displacement and Human Rights: A Continuing Challenge

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Sixty years ago the international community responded to the needs of those crossing national borders because of persecution and conflict by adopting a convention on refugees and creating a UN refugee agency; however, the fate of those displaced within their countries' borders was largely ignored. In an effort to address this gap in the international humanitarian system, the Brookings Project on Internal Displacement took on the task of developing basic standards for the treatment of internally displaced persons.

Displacement Caused by the Effects of Climate Change

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Most causes of displacement triggered by climate change, such as flooding, hurricanes, desertification or even the "sinking" of stretches of land, are not new. However, their frequency and magnitude are likely to increase. The challenge is to better analyze these causes of displacement, to identify the areas where the effects of climate change are most likely to occur and to examine the character of forced displacement and other population movemetns they could trigger.

Moving Beyond Rhetoric: Consultation and Participation with IDPs

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The importance of engaging directly with populations affected by poverty, conflict and disaster is a common theme in the literature on humanitarian aid, development and peacebuilding. However, despite the many documented benefits, consultation with and participation by affected populations -- including IDPs -- remains limited.

Iraqi Elections and Displacement

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Provincial elections are an important step toward national reconciliation in Iraq, but steps must be taken to ensure that the displaced— both refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs)— are able to participate. Despite the passage of the provincial elections law, there are no provisions for Iraqis living outside the country to vote, meaning that close to 10% of Iraq's populatioin will be disenfranchised, with serious consequences for the legitimacy of the elections.

The Potential Impact of the Indictment of Bashir on Darfur’s Humanitarian Situation

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

At first glance, the reaction of humanitarian actors on the ground in Darfur to potential indictments of the Sudanese president Omar Bashir seems pretty obvious. Darfur's 2.5 million internally displaced people, the 4.2 million in need of food assistnace and the 17,000 or so humanitarian workers would make easy targets for an angry Sudanese government. But like everything in Darfur, Elizabeth Ferris explains, the situation is more complicated than it seems at first glance.

Finding Durable Solutions for Sri Lanka's Displaced

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Arbitrary displacement as a consequence of violence or threats thereof, ethnic persecution or cleansing, as well as displacement as a consequence of natural disasters, is not just a passing event in peoples' lives. Rather, displacement means that, from one day to the next, families lose their homes and livelihoods, leaving behind all they had cherished, shattering lives. In responding to displacement situations, it is necessary to look for long-term, durable solutions for all groups of displaced persons, rather than focusing on one specific group.

Listening to the Voices of the Displaced: Lessons Learned

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

When those working with IDPs develop programs and policies without taking the time to listen to those most affected — the IDPs themselves — plans often go wrong. In order to ensure their needs not only are met but also that lasting solutions are found for their displacement, Roberta Cohen explains that it is critical to listen to the voices of IDPs.

Alternative Scenarios for Iraq's Displaced

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Most of those writing about future scenarios for Iraq rarely mention the fate of the five million displaced Iraqis, but when they do, they seem to assume that once security and political progress in Iraq are achieved, the refugees and interanlly displaced persons (IDPs) will return to their communities and life will go on. Unfortunately, even in the best of political scenarios, it is unlikely to be so straightforward.

Iraqi Displacement: Prospects for Returns and Resettlement

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

August 22, 2008, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Since the attack on Iraq’s al-Askari Mosque in February 2006, over 1.5 million Iraqis have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in other parts of Iraq and approximately 2 million have fled into neighboring countries. The Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement at Brookings hosted a discussion on finding solutions to this ongoing crisis and the variety of challenges facing the prospects of return and resettlement.

Iraq's Displaced Millions

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Iraq has improved dramatically across almost all fronts in the last year, but largely still unaddressed is the plight of those displaced by violence. Current estimates say that more than 2 million Iraqis are refugees abroad and almost 2.8 million are displaced internally. Elizbeth Ferris and Michael O'Hanlon say that people who think that Iraq is nearly stable need to remember that the return of these 4.8 million people carries huge risks for that stability.

Internal Displacement, Human Rights, and Development

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this speech, Elizabeth Ferris says that when people are forced to leave their places of residence due to violence or human rights abuses, there is obviously a high human cost. But, internal displacement also has significant economic costs, both short and long-term. Such costs, including the loss of homes and property, the loss of livelihoods, the loss of educational opportunities, and the increased burden on host communities can have serious consequences for the stability and development of a country.

For Disaster IDPs: An Institutional Gap

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Climate change is expected to sharply increase the number and severity of natural disasters, displacing millions on all continents. To meet this coming challenge, Roberta Cohen says that the recognition of "disaster" IDPs is needed along with new institutional arrangements to protect their human rights.

The Looming Crisis: Displacement and Security in Iraq

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Lost in discussions of the military surge, the pace of troop drawdowns, and political benchmarks are millions of displaced Iraqis. Their plight is both a humanitarian tragedy and a strategic crisis that is not being addressed.

The Climate Change-Displacement Nexus

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Climate change is happening and one of its visible impacts is the increasing numbers of persons displaced by natural disasters. In the course of the past year, more than 400 natural disasters affected over 234 million persons, cost over 16,000 lives, and also displaced millions of people. According to Walter Kalin, the existing system is only partially equipped to deal with this challenge and it's necessary to develop appropriate humanitarian responses.

Surge in the Number of Iraqi Refugees

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:20:14 GMT

A new United Nations report finds that in the past year the number of refugees worldwide has increased from 9 to 11 million. Khalid Koser, deputy director of the Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement, discusses the causes behind this increase as well as possible implications if the number of refugees continues to climb.

Peace in Sudan: Implementing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 27, 2008, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

On June 27, the Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement hosted a discussion with representatives from the Sudanese government; Lynn Fredriksson, Africa advocacy director for Amnesty International USA; and Pamela Fierst, a member of the Sudan policy group at the State Department, to examine Sudan’s 2005 peace agreement and to explore the ways in which it has been successfully implemented and the areas in which challenges still exist.

Displacement and Security in Afghanistan

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 23, 2008, 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

The resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan has complicated the displacement crisis in the country, as fighting continues to displace both new groups and IDP and refugee returnees. The Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement hosted a breakfast with Ewan McLeod, the Deputy Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Afghanistan to discuss the displacement sitaution for both IDPs in Afghanistan and refugees who have fled elsewhere.

Protecting Displaced Migrants in South Africa

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

An estimated 80,000 migrants have been displaced by the recent wave of anti-immigrant violence in South Africa. While some have returned to their home countries, many still remain in temporary camps. The South African government aims to reintegrate them in the communities from which they fled. Throughout their displacement (and return), the government will need to take steps to protect the rights of these migrants who have been displaced.

Addressing Post-Conflict Property Claims of the Displaced

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 09, 2008, 3:00 PM to 05:00 PM

One of the most difficult challenges to achieving durable solutions for persons displaced by conflict arises where the homes and lands they left behind have been destroyed or occupied by others. The Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement hosted a round-table discussion on the opportunities and challenges posed by property issues in post-conflict displacement settings.

The Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement: Annotations

Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Since being adopted 10 years ago in 1998, the acceptance and use of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement has grown. As a way to mark the 10th Anniversary of their adoption, Walter Kälin, the Representative of the UN Secretary-General on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons, drafted a second edition of the Annotations. In this edition, new legal instruments that refer to the Guiding Principles are included, intending to make the legal background for the Guiding Principles more accessible to policy makers at all levels.

Five Observations on Natural Disasters

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Images from the cyclone in Myanmar and the earthquake in China have dominated the news for the past week. But, as Beth Ferris observes, these victims of natural disasters are just a small portion of the over 200 million people each year who are affected by natural disasters. Although most of these disasters never make it onto the nightly news in America, their effects are felt by victims long after the TV cameras have moved on.

Internally Displaced Persons in Darfur: Taking Stock

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Darfur has been on the international agenda for the past four years despite the advocacy campaigns, the growing public awareness, the large and expensive relief operations, and (eventual) Security Council action. Despite these efforts, as Elizabeth Ferris points out, the war is far from over.

Human Rights and Natural Disasters

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Although disasters are quick to strike, their consequences can be long to remedy and can linger on for months and years. The extend to which their effects increase inequalities in life and society is a question of how governments and humanitarian actors integrate human rights into their disaster preparedness and response. The Brookings-Bern Project has just published a new field manual designed to accompany the Inter-Agency Standing Committee's Operational Guidelines on Human Rights and Natural Disasters and intended to help people in the field to understand the human rights dimensiosn of disaster response.

The Displacement-Peace Nexus

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Resolving internal displacement is inextricably linked with achieving lasting peace.

Rising Food Prices and Displacement

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As prices for food continue to rise while supply diminishes throughout the world, Khalid Koser writes that the global food crisis is "likely to have a significant impact on those already displaced." He offers insight into the problem and notes that short-term solutions such as cash transfers, lowering of domestic food prices, and food for work schemes will benefit those who are displaced or poor.

Global Displacement and the Implications for Refugees

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 23, 2008, 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM

On April 23, the Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement hosted the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, for an address on the growth in scale, scope and complexity of global mobility and its effects on refugees. Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) provided brief remarks and introduced High Commissioner Guterres.

Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement - Annual Report 2007

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Brookings-Bern Project is a unique example of a partnership between a research institute and the United Nations. In this report, the Project presents its work from 2007 and discusses the challenges in the field of internal displacement that lie ahead.

Toward a Lasting Peace: Addressing the Political and Humanitarian Situation in Kenya

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

March 14, 2008, 12:00 PM to 02:00 PM

Though a power sharing agreement signed between Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga was a step towards the end of the political impasse in Kenya, much remains to be done to address the many social and economic problems that have come to the fore in Kenya since the December 2007 election. On March 14, the Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement hosted a luncheon seminar on these issues.