Protecting the Internally Displaced: Rhetoric and Reality

Over 40 million conflict-induced internally displaced persons (IDPs) globally, yet they are protected only by the soft-law Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement. Orchard argues that an international IDP protection regime exists, but many aspects are informal and need to be implemented at the domestic level. Action at the international level reflects an ad hoc approach to IDP issues, and new and greater monitoring and accountability mechanisms are critical.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) caused by conflict has surged to over 40 million worldwide, nearly doubling the number of refugees. Despite this alarming statistic, IDPs are solely safeguarded by the soft-law Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement at the global level. Instead of a dedicated international organization, their protection and assistance come through the United Nations' cluster approach.
In his book, Orchard argues that while an international IDP protection regime exists, many aspects of it are informal and intertwined with the complex humanitarian regime. This complex divides the mandates of key organizations and even questions the very definition of IDP status. While the Guiding Principles represent a significant milestone, their implementation at the domestic level remains fragmented and inconsistent. Similarly, action at the international level often takes an ad hoc approach to IDP issues.
To address these challenges, Orchard conducts an in-depth examination of IDP efforts at the international level and across the forty states that have adopted IDP laws and policies. He argues that while progress has been made, there is a need for enhanced monitoring and accountability mechanisms at both the domestic and international levels.
This book will be of immense value to scholars, students, and practitioners of forced migration, international relations theory, and the Responsibility to Protect doctrine. It sheds light on the complex dynamics of IDPs and provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for improving their protection and assistance.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032338811