A more systematized and equitable response to internally displaced persons outside camps 2012, para. 48

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Paragraph text: Demographic and ethnic factors, or the political priorities of local authorities may influence the degree to which they welcome and assist IDPs or adopt an informal "policy" of non-assistance. This is particularly relevant in situations where internal displacement may affect the ethnic, religious or other composition of an area. IDPs outside camps are especially easy targets in such situations, as they are often stereotyped as 'IDPs' in their immediate neighbourhoods, and may be subject to discrimination, security problems including arbitrary detention, attacks, and secondary displacements if they are 'pushed' out of their host communities. Certain processes can exacerbate this situation, including the conduct of national or local census, or electoral processes. Local authorities can play a crucial role in such contexts, by promoting a culture of respect for human rights, rule of law and diversity, making public statements to this effect, and taking active steps to ensure IDPs are effectively protected from discrimination, harassment and persecution. Special measures to reach out to, protect and facilitate access to rights by particularly vulnerable IDP groups, including youth, female headed households and the elderly are necessary as well.

Body: Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons

Topic(s)

Person(s) affected

Reference: SR Internally Displaced Persons, Report to the HRC (2012), A/HRC/19/54, para. 48.