The African Union Convention for the Prevention of Internal Displacement and the Protection of and Assistance to Internally Displaced Persons in Africa

IDP Action has published a detailed analysis of the draft African Union IDPs Convention. The IDP Action paper weighs the strengths and weaknesses of the draft Convention, with particular attention to the articles relating to non-discrimination, the obligations of armed groups and monitoring and compliance. A summary of IDP Action's analysis has also been published in a special issue of the journal, Forced Migration Review.

Read more: From Voluntary Principles to Binding Standards

22 organizations jointly encourage changes in US policy regarding internally displaced people

IDP Action and a range of operational humanitarian agencies, resettlement agencies, advocacy organizations, and human rights organizations are proposing significant changes in US policy to bolster support for internally displaced people (IDPs).

These organizations urge the U.S. government to be a much stronger advocate for finding solutions for IDPs. It is essential that the United States government send clear messages to UNHCR about its role in responding to internal displacement and engage more consistently with host governments on the issue. It is equally critical that the U.S. government clarify funding, advocacy and leadership responsibilities for IDPs between USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and the State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration and effectively involve other government offices. Finally, with a new administration at the helm, there is an opportunity for stronger overall leadership on the humanitarian reform efforts of the United Nations.

Read more: Recommendations for the incoming US Administration