A/HRC/19/54 different methodologies are usually required in order to gather data on IDPs in these contexts.17 Important efforts have been made in recent years, to improve data-collection methodologies at these different stages and in different contexts of internal displacement. These include methodologies, such as: profiling which can be used to estimate figures and needs of IDPs outside camps;18 population-tracking mechanisms; disaggregated data collection techniques (according to location, age, gender etc) and vulnerability criteria, which enable more targeted assistance; household surveys which permit the identification of IDP needs while avoiding singling them out; and community outreach approaches, which use local partners and community structures to identify and reach out to IDPs.19 However, continued efforts in this regard, both of a technical nature and in terms of awarenessraising, are necessary. In many countries, included those visited by this mandate, the lack of effective and timely data collection and profiling systems, have resulted in a lack of identification and assistance to large numbers of IDPs outside camps, with a direct impact on their human rights and durable solutions. IDPs outside camps and host communities have specific needs 28. There has often been an implicit assumption that IDPs living outside of camps are less in need of protection and assistance because they are being cared for by family, neighbours or friends, or that they have somehow found a solution on their own. While some may indeed have elected to stay out of camps because they did not want or need assistance, and others managed to progress towards durable solutions on their own, many IDPs outside camps are not in these situations. In some cases, IDPs may need the assistance and protection of an organized camp, but may not have that option: they may be displaced in isolated or remote locations (where there is no camp or host community), not be able to physically make it to camp areas, fear detection by authorities, or camps may be simply be closed or discouraged due to government policies. Moreover, even when IDPs outside camps benefit from initial resources and the support and structures of a host community, these resources tend to degrade over time. In many cases IDPs with sufficient resources to cope in the initial months of displacement, often find these quickly dwindling as they struggle with the high costs of housing, lack of access to land and livelihoods, inability to access social services, the loss of most of their material possessions, and the absence of their usual support structures. As a result, some IDPs outside camps may become more vulnerable over time. 29. Moreover, while family, friends and communities may initially welcome and assist IDPs, when their stay drags on, for months or years, strains on resources may lead to an eventual breaking point and the need for IDPs to find alternative assistance or living arrangements, often resulting in secondary movements and a more precarious situation. Even when specific IDP assistance exists in the form of food or other emergency assistance, distribution of assistance to non-camp IDPs, often tends to be one-off distributions at the beginning of displacement rather than the sustained assistance which is needed. 20 Similarly, while State assistance programmes may sometimes be available for vulnerable groups in society, these will often be insufficient to take into account the heightened needs brought about by displacement, may be contingent on local residency or identity documents which IDPs may not be able to provide, or IDPs may not access them out of fear of drawing attention to themselves, for security reasons. Discrimination on the basis of their being displaced may also create an additional barrier to accessing State services. The 17 18 19 20 10 GPC, Handbook for the Protection, p. 345. Profiling is a technique developed through an inter-agency initiative. For more information: http://www.idp-profiling.org/profiling-resources.html. GPC, Handbook for the Protection, p. 345; IDMC, Internal Displacement, p. 10. IASC, WO/1006/3492/7, para.10.