A. Who can assist internally displaced persons?

Internally displaced persons remain within the borders of their own country. Organisations and groups who wish to help them must have the permission of the government to enter the country before they can provide assistance. Sometimes governments may be reluctant to allow organisations into their territory and they often guard their sovereignty very tightly.

The issue of sovereignty is a key one when we speak about assisting internally displaced persons. Some states believe that respect for sovereignty and non interference in internal affairs are essential principles of international relations. Borders cannot be crossed without permission. Other states are of the opinion that if a group of persons are in need of protection and assistance, then their rights and safety should take priority over sovereignty. They believe that organisations such as the UN should be allowed to take action to assist innocent civilians. However, many developing countries are concerned that such an approach could lead to stronger nations imposing solutions on them.

Under international humanitarian law, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been given a particular role to play in the protection of civilians caught up in war and civil conflicts. It is responsible for monitoring the actions of states and in ensuring that the rules set out in international humanitarian law are observed. For example, it is forbidden to attack or terrorise civilians, to use famine as a method of warfare or to destroy goods essential to their survival. As members of the civilian population, displaced persons benefit from ICRC protection and assistance activities including:

• protection of civilians

• visits to detainees,

• medical assistance

• food aid

• restoration of family links between persons separated by war

The UNHCR does not have a general mandate to provide protection and assistance to internally displaced persons. However, it has over the years provided limited assistance to certain groups of internally displaced persons. It is considered well placed to provide such help given its experience in humanitarian and crisis situations. These operations have been carried out at the request of the UN Secretary-General or the General Assembly, with the consent of the country involved.

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The Rights of Refugees and Displaced Persons

Photo: Rio Sucio, La Marina camp (Columbia). Red Cross staff is assessing needs of displaced people, January 1999.Ref.CO-N-00011-01A. Photo: Boris Heger © International Committee of the Red Cross