Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons: Challenges Confronting the International Community

Africa may lead on displacement management

Emerald Expert Briefings ◽

10.1108/oxan-db226262 ◽

2017 ◽

Keyword(s):

Food Insecurity ◽

International Law ◽

International Aid ◽

International Community ◽

Internal Displacement ◽

Internally Displaced Persons ◽

Displaced Persons ◽

Content Type ◽

Internally Displaced ◽

Sustained Development

Subject Protection for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Africa Significance Internal displacement is a growing problem -- both for the international community generally and in Africa specifically -- acting as a source of misery for millions of people, a barrier to sustained development and a driver of food insecurity. By the end of 2016, Africa was home to 12.2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), 2.4 million of whom were newly displaced by conflict and violence and 1.1 million by disasters. IDPs have long been overlooked under international law, owing largely to sovereignty concerns. However, in recent years, African states have developed regional and domestic protections for IDPs that are looked upon as global exemplars. Impacts The dissemination of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement could empower vulnerable African communities. Corporate and non-state bodies will increasingly embed IDP protection into their African operations. Despite better legislation, many states, who will largely depend on Western partners and international aid organisations, will neglect IDPs.

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The Ottawa Process and the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty

Yearbook of International Humanitarian Law ◽

10.1017/s1389135900000155 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 1 ◽

pp. 269-291 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Stephen D. Goose

Keyword(s):

Economic Development ◽

International Community ◽

Internally Displaced Persons ◽

Displaced Persons ◽

Internally Displaced ◽

Record Time ◽

The World ◽

Antipersonnel Landmines ◽

First Time ◽

Mine Ban Treaty

Between 3 and 4 December 1997, 122 governments signed theConvention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and On Their Destruction, marking the first time in history that die international community banned a weapon that is already in widespread use.Tens of millions of landmines are emplaced in about 70 nations. Another 100–200 million anti-personnel landmines are believed to be in the arsenals of more than 100 governments. Although militaries around the world have used antipersonnel landmines for decades, this treaty banning the weapon was proposed, developed, negotiated and signed in record time in recognition of the humanitarian imperative ‘to put an end to the suffering and casualties caused by anti-personnel mines mat kill or maim hundreds of people every week, mostly innocent and defenceless civilians and especially children, obstruct economic development and reconstruction, inhibit the repatriation of refugees and internally displaced persons, and have other severe consequences for years after emplacement’.

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