Author: C. Phuong

Source: International Journal of Refugee Law, Volume 13, Number 4, October 2001 , pp. 491-517(27)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

This article examines the controversial proposal that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) should be given overall responsibility for internally displaced persons (IDPs). It first analyses how UNHCR became involved in activities relating to IDPs. Over the years, the agency has developed a set of criteria to govern its engagement, which demonstrate that it will consider becoming involved only when it has an interest in doing so. The proposals to improve the UN response to the problem of internal displacement have so far mainly focused on formally extending UNHCR's mandate to include the internally displaced. The author examines the debate in more detail and takes the position that UNHCR should not attempt to assist and protect all internally displaced persons, and that more emphasis should be put on improving inter-agency co-operation instead. Over the last ten years, most UN agencies as well as the ICRC and IOM have started to consider the issue of internal displacement, and it would seem counterproductive to ignore their involvement and focus exclusively on UNHCR. Problems arise from the fact that none of the agencies has a clear policy on the issue. UN actors, ICRC and IOM must reconceptualise the IDP question in human rights terms and this in turn must influence the IDP policy process. The author also evaluates current inter-agency coordination mechanisms which have been put in place to ensure that internally displaced populations receive appropriate attention in each crisis.

Document Type: Original article

Affiliations: 1: Lecturer in Law, University of Newcastle

Publication date: 2001-10-01

More about this publication?

• The International Journal of Refugee Law has fulfilled its promise, as predicted by the Times Higher Education Supplement, in becoming one of the key source materials in the field of refugee protection. The journal aims to stimulate research and thinking on refugee law and its development, taking account of the broadest range of State and international organization practice. In addition, it serves as an essential tool for all engaged in the protection of refugees and finding solutions to their problems. It regularly provides key information and commentary on today`s critical issues, including the causes of refugee and related movements, internal displacement, the particular situation of women and refugee children, the human rights dimension, restrictive policies, asylum and determination procedures, populations at risk and the conditions in different countries. It is of immeasurable value to anyone involved in refugee work, whether lawyers, teachers, students, researchers, NGO workers, or officials in immigration, government, and international organizations.

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