WorkshopontheRoleofNationalHumanRightsInstitutionsinPromotingandProtecting
theHumanRightsofInternallyDisplacedPersons(IDPs)
WorkshopSummaryReport
20February2018Geneva,Switzerland(PalaisdesNations)
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I. BackgroundoftheWorkshopMorethan40millionpeopleareuprootedwithintheirowncountriesbyconflict,violenceandhuman rights violations – 11.8million peoplewere newly displaced in 2017 alone1.Millionsmore aredisplaced every year in the context of disasters and climate change. In addition, anincreasingnumberof IDPsremaindisplaced foryearsorevendecades. Internaldisplacementon this scale is unlikely to reverse any time soon, particularly given the number of ongoingconflictswithoutpoliticalsolutionsandthecontinuingadverseeffectsofclimatechange.
The Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement, presented to the UN Commission onHumanRights in1998, constitute thekeydocumenton theprotectionandassistanceof IDPsworldwide. They definewho an IDP is, and set out their rights to be protected and assistedbefore and during displacement and in their search for durable solutions. They restate thatnationalauthoritieshavetheprimaryresponsibilityforprotectinginternallydisplacedpersons,and clarify key principles relating to humanitarian assistance by international and non-governmental bodies. The Guiding Principles are highly authoritative, as they restate IDPs’rightsasenshrinedininternationalhumanrightsandinternationalhumanitarianlaw,andhavebeenrecognisedasanimportantframeworkfortheprotectionandassistanceofIDPs.
National human rights institutions (NHRIs) can play an important bridging role betweeninternational and national human rights and humanitarian protection systems and betweennationalauthorities,civilsocietyandthosewhoareaffectedbyinternaldisplacement.Inrecentyears, an increasing number of NHRIs around the world have increased their attention tointernal displacement into their work. NHRIs have played an important role in raisingawareness of internal displacement, monitoring displacement situations and returns,investigatingindividualcomplaints,advocatingforandadvisingthegovernmentonthedraftingof national policies to address internal displacement, and monitoring and reporting on theimplementationofnationalpoliciesandlegislation.
As2018marks the20th anniversaryof theGuidingPrincipleson InternalDisplacement(GP20), theSpecialRapporteuronthehumanrightsofIDPsconsideredtheGlobalAllianceofNational Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) 2018 Annual Conference to represent animportantopportunitytobringvisibilitytotheissueofinternaldisplacementandtoencourageNHRIstousetheGuidingPrinciplesintheirworkinordertopromoteandprotectthehumanrights of IDPs. This is an area of work that the Special Rapporteur has prioritised for hermandate.
The Special Rapporteur therefore co-organized a one-day consultative workshop on 20February 2018 preceding the GANHRI annualmeeting in collaborationwith the UN RefugeeAgency(UNHCR),GANHRIandtheOfficeoftheHighCommissionerforHumanRights(OHCHR).ThisworkshopbroughttogetherselectedNHRIs,alreadyworkingoninternaldisplacement,toreflect on common challenges, share good practices and lessons learnt, and strengthencooperation among them and with partners on the protection and promotion of the humanrightsofIDPs.
A total of 36 participants representing 22 NHRIs, regional NHRI networks, and UNagenciesparticipatedintheworkshop,namely:▪Afghanistan
▪Armenia
▪BosniaandHerzegovina
▪Colombia
▪DemocraticRepublic
of the Congo▪ El Salvador
▪ Georgia
▪ Guatemala
▪ Honduras
▪ Iraq▪
Kenya▪
1 IDMC Global Report on Internal Displacement, May 2018, http://www.internal-displacement.org/global-report/grid2018/
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Kosovo2▪ Mexico▪ Niger▪ Nigeria▪ Philippines▪ Peru▪ Sudan▪ Uganda▪ Ukraine▪ Zambia▪ Zimbabwe
GANHRI, Asia Pacific Forum (APF) ▪ European Network of National Human RightsInstitutions(ENNHRI)
▪ OHCHR▪ UNHCR▪ UNDP
In addition to this global workshop, the Special Rapporteur continued her mandate’s closeengagementwithNHRIsbyparticipatingin:
● A side-event she co-organised with GANHRI, UNHCR and OHCHR and that was co-sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Austria during the GANHRI 2018 AnnualMeeting examining NHRIs’ existing work using the Guiding Principles and proposinghow to expand the scope of these efforts. Following the meeting, GANHRI issued astatementat theHumanRightsCouncil’s38th sessionwelcoming thepartnershipwiththeSpecialRapporteurandstrengthenedengagementwithNHRIs.
● The public hearing on internal displacement and human rights in the AmericasorganizedbytheInter-AmericanCommissiononHumanRightsduringits63rdsessioninFebruary2018inColombia,asrequestedbytheregionalnetworkofNHRIs(NetworkofNational Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in theAmericas).
● Asub-regionalworkshoporganizedbytheENNHRIinApril2018inUkraineontheroleofNHRIsinpromotingandprotectinghumanrightsofIDPsin(post)conflictsituationswiththeobjectiveof fosteringdialoguebetweenEuropeanNHRIsandidentifyingjointactionsandmeansof cooperation.Following themeeting,ENNHRI issuedastatementontheroleofNHRIsinprotectionofIDPsthatsupportsimplementationofthePlanofAction for Advancing Prevention, Protection and Solutions for Internally DisplacedPeople2018-2020.
In preparation for theworkshop, inDecember 2017, the Special Rapporteur in collaborationwithGANHRIhadalsosentaquestionnairetoallNHRIstomaptheirongoingworkoninternaldisplacement,andidentifygoodpracticesandopportunities.
TheSpecialRapporteursincerelythanksthoseNHRIsthathavesofartakenpartinthislargerconsultative process by attending the workshop, the GANHRI side event and throughrespondingtothequestionnaire.TheSpecialRapporteurwillstudyalltheinformationprovidedto informher futureworkandher2019HumanRightsCouncil (HRC)reportdedicatedtotheroleofNHRIsinpromotingandprotectingthehumanrightsofIDPs.
2 AllreferencestoKosovointhepresentdocumentshouldbeunderstoodtobeincompliancewithSecurityCouncilresolution1244(1999)andwithoutprejudicetothestatusofKosovo.
WorkshopObjectives To take stock of current roles of NHRIs on protection of IDPs, in order to
exploretherangeofNHRIs’modalitiesofengagementinpolicyandoperationalresponse at the local, national and regional level and inspire strengthenedaction;
To enable NHRIs to exchange experiences and strategies relating to theprotectionofIDPs;
To discuss challenges, identify key lessons and emerging good practices aswellasconcreterecommendationsonhowtheroleofNHRIs inpromotingandprotectingthehumanrightsofIDPscanbestrengthened.
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II. OpeningstatementsTheSpecialRapporteuronthehumanrightsofIDPs,Ms.CeciliaJimenez-DamarywelcomedtheparticipantsandgaveafewopeningremarksstressingtheimportantrolewhichNHRIscanplayin promoting and protecting the human rights of IDPs and the positive development thatnumerousNHRIshaveincreasedtheirattentionondisplacementsituations.Shealsohighlightedthatitwasoneofhermandate’sprioritiestostrengthenengagementwithNHRIsregardingtheprotectionofIDPsandtosupporttotheextentpossibletheworkofNHRIsinthisregard.Herthematic report to the HRC 2019will be dedicated to this topic. Given that 2018 is the 20thanniversaryoftheGuidingPrinciples,theRapporteuralsoencouragedtheNRHIparticipantstoshare ideaswithhermandateof anyGP20activities and initiativeswhich themandate couldhelppromote.TheRapporteuralsogaveabriefpresentationoftoolsforIDPprotectionsuchastheGuidingPrinciples,theIASCFrameworkonDurableSolutionsforIDPsandtheBrookings-Bern Project report on Addressing Internal Displacement: A Framework for NationalResponsibility.ThisFrameworkcanbeusedasatooltohelpNHRIsinmonitoringgovernmentperformance inaddressing internaldisplacement,as thebenchmarks identifiedarethosethatgovernmentsareexpectedtotaketoeffectivelyfulfiltheirnationalresponsibilityinsituationsofinternaldisplacement.TheRapporteuralsomentionedthenewstrengthenedlanguageontheroleofNHRIs insupportingIDPs inthe2017GeneralAssemblyResolutionA/RES/72/182onProtectionofandassistancetointernallydisplacedpersons.
The Special Rapporteur also presented an overview of the range of activities that NHRIsinvolvedinwithregardstoIDPs,basedontheinformationshereceivedfromNHRIs’repliestothequestionnairethemandatehaddistributedin2017.Theseprogramsandactivitiesincluded:
Monitoringandreporting
● Datacollection ● MonitoringthehumanrightsofIDPs,withparticularattentiontovulnerablegroups ● MonitoringofIDPsites/camps ● Keepingtrackofdisplacementtrends
Complaints
● InvestigatingandactinguponindividualcasesinvolvingviolationsofthehumanrightsofIDPs
● Bringingcasestohighercourts,includingthesupremecourt ● ProvidinglegalaidtoIDPs ● HelpingIDPstosecuredocuments ● RegisteringIDPstovote
Advocacyandawareness-raising
● PromotinglawsandpoliciesbasedontheGuidingPrinciplesonInternalDisplacement ● Draftinglawsandpoliciesoninternaldisplacement ● Participatingasmembersofsteeringcommitteesingovernmentandsubmittingannual
reportstotheparliament ● Supportingthesettingupofinstitutionstoimplementlegislation ● Reviewinglawsandagenciesandadvocatingforharmonizationoflegislation ● Advocatingwithlocalandnationalauthoritiesandprovidingrecommendations ● EstablishingnetworksamongIDPs
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KEY TAKE-AWAY POINTS from individual country presentations:
Capacitybuilding
● Conductingeducationalawarenessprograms ● TraininggovernmentofficialsontherightsofIDPsandtheobligationsofnationaland
localauthorities ● Workingtogetherwithcivilsociety,inparticularNGOs,toenhancetheeffectivenessof
theprogramsandactivities
InadditiontotheSpecialRapporteur’sopeningstatement,theChairpersonoftheKenyanNHRIand the representative of GANHRI welcomed the opportunity to have a focused, thematicdiscussion among interested NHRIs on such an important matter. They encouraged moresharingofbestpracticesamongstGANHRImembersonallthetopicsmentionedaboveaswellasgreaterengagementwithothermandate-holders,whoarealsocriticaltothesituationofIDPssuch as the Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights Defenders. The UNHCR’srepresentativehighlightedthechallengesIDPsface,astheylackaccesstotheusualprotectionfunctionsof the stateandbecomedisplacedprimarilydue to theirdifficulty inenjoying theirhumanrights.Heemphasizedthatinordertocoordinateanddeliverprotectioninsituationsofinternaldisplacement,UNHCRhas increasinglyengaged instrategicpartnershipswithNHRIs,whichhas had anundeniable positive impact in countrieswhereUNHCRhas the human andfinancialresourcestocultivateastrongpartnership.In2016,UNHCRalsopreparedastudyonitscontinuedengagementwithNHRIsforIDPprotectionhighlightinganumberofkeylessonslearnt.
III. Sharingofexperiences(Session1)
Each NHRI participant presented an overview of their work on internal displacement, withreference to themain challenges and examples of goodpractices. Theparticipants presentedreflectionsontheirNHRI’sinvolvementinthefollowingareas:
● Preventionofinternaldisplacement; ● MonitoringandadvocacyonIDPs’humanrights,includingdurablesolutions; ● Lawsandpoliciesoninternaldisplacement; ● Cooperation among NHRIs and with partners at national, regional and
internationallevel.
Inparticular:- What are the main obstacles, key lessons and emerging good practices when it
comestoNHRIsengagingintheseareas? - What key recommendations do youpropose to strengthenNHRIs’ role on each of
theseissues(prevention,monitoringandadvocacyonIDPs’humanrights,aswellaslawandpolicy)?
- What steps and strategies can be adopted to strengthen effective collaborationamongNHRIsandwithotherpartners(nationalgovernment,UN,NGOs)atnational,regionalandinternationallevels?
PleaseseedetailedlistofpointsfromeachcountrypresentationinAnnex1.
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a. The NHRIs described a variety of causes of displacement and perpetrators of suchdisplacement.TheresponsibilitiesoftheactorsareallcoveredbyInternationalHumanRightsLawandInternationalHumanitarianLaw.
b. The NHRIs highlighted the importance of prevention, protection during displacementand support for durable solutions (right to free and informed choice of settlementoptions;importanceofdevelopmentapproaches)
c. Humanrightsviolationswerehighlightedasalessrecognizedcauseofdisplacement;aswellasnotingthehighlevelofHRviolationsduringandafterinternaldisplacement.
d. Voting rights during and after displacement, access to documentation and durablesolutionsmustbeaddressed.CertainpopulationgroupsamongIDPsmaybe leftmorevulnerablethanotherIDPs.
e. ContextandcausesvaryfromcountrytocountryintermsofNHRI’sabilityandcapacity,andgovernment’sabilitytopreventandrespondtotherightsviolations.
f. Worthtakingadvantageofdevelopmentandareas-basedapproaches.g. Importanceofevidence-basedprofiling;ex/access,information,inter-agencyeffort.h. Clarificationisneededregardingthecriteriaformeasuringdurablesolutionsforwhich
the government has an obligation and how to measure whether the necessaryconditionsforreturnsaremet.NHRIsshouldcontributetoensuringthatIDPsaretrulywell-informedaboutoptionsandprocessofreturningandthatitisfullyvoluntary.
i. IncreasedguidanceisneededintermsofhowtousetheroleandmandateofNHRIstosupport development of IDP guidelines, laws andpolicies. Theneed for human rightscenteredapproachestointernaldisplacement
j. ParticipationofIDPsiskeyk. Linkingtothepeaceandtransitionaljusticeprogramsasentrypointsandpartners.
IV. Regionalbreakoutgroupwork(Session2)
The participants were divided into three breakout-working groups (Americas, Africa andEurope/Asia) with the objective of identifying key lessons, emerging good practices andrecommendations for strengthening NHRIs’ engagement on IDP issues in the following keyareas:
- Preventionofinternaldisplacement;- MonitoringandadvocacyonIDPs’humanrights,includingdurablesolutions;- Lawsandpoliciesoninternaldisplacement;- Cooperation among NHRIs and with partners at national, regional and international
level.
KEYDISCUSSIONPOINTS
PREVENTION• Exampleofgoodpractice:thesystemofearlywarningoftheDefensoríadeColombia:about
250peopleareinvolvedas“defensorescomunitarios”,withpresenceinall36regionsofColombia.Theinformationwhichiscollectedinacentralisedmannerparticularlyabout
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AmericasGroup
theriskofdisplacementispresentedasareporttothegovernment,whichmustreactswiftly.Thesystemwasinitiallydesignedforruralareas,butitisnowusedinurbanareasaswell.
• Importanceofdistinguishingbetweentheimmediatecausesofdisplacementanditsrootcauses,whicharestructural(inequality,corruption,lackofopportunities)
• Importanceofsupportingcommunitiesdirectly,sothattheydefendthemselvesandestablishearlywarningmechanisms-beingawarethatthiscouldnotworkineveryarea,suchasthoseincompletecontrolofthegangs
• Suggestion:ThereisaneedtocarryoutacomparativestudyofhowtheexistingearlywarningmechanismsestablishedbyNHRIsworkacrossregions(e.g.Colombia,Afghanistan,Philippines,Kenya)becausethereisalotthatcanbepursuedinthatareas
MONITORINGANDADVOCACY• Colombia:monitoringcoversallphasesofdisplacement,frommonitoringtheriskof
displacementtomonitoringtheimplementationofthelaw• Importanceofabaselinetoplanaresponse• Importanceofusingnationalreportsforadvocacypurposes
COLLABORATION• ImportanceofcollaboratingwithUNagenciesandNGOs(seeexperienceofColombiawith
UNHCRandNRC,basedoncomparativeaddedvalue)• Importanceofcollaboratingwithlocalauthoritiesandwiththelocalcommunities,as
emphasisedbytheexampleofHondurasandits“municipiossolidarios”LAWANDPOLICY• NHRIsinvolvedindraftingpolicies/legislation(e.g.Honduras,Mexico)• FundamentalroleofNHRIsinmonitoringtheimplementationofexistinglaws(e.g.
Colombia)
AfricaGroup
PREVENTION• Puttinginplacemeasuresforeasyevacuations• Measurestoavoidmultipledisplacements• Addressalldifferentcauses:disasters(includingthroughDRRandmitigationmeasures)
anddevelopmentprojects(adequatenotice)• Promotepeaceandsocialcohesion,includingadoptmeasurestoavoidtensionsbetween
hostcommunitiesandIDPs• Promotethecultureofdisaggregateddata–(needforabaseline)• Accurateprofilingshouldbeencouraged• Addressrootcauses,includingcorruption• Addressinternaldisplacementinanon-politicalmanner,toavoidbiasesand
discrimination• Dealingwithcorruptionandlackoftransparencyasapotentialcauseofdisplacement
MONITORINGANDADVOCACY• Importanceofabaseline• Importanceofcompensation/reparationforpeopledisplacedbydevelopment• Disaggregateddataforeaseofinterventions• AccurateprofilingofIDPs
LAWANDPOLICY
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• Encouragedevelopmentoflawandpolicyframeworksoninternaldisplacementandratification/domesticationofKampalaConvention
• UsethefavorabledispositionoftheAUinaddressingthesedisplacement• Policyforsocialhousingbeimplemented• PropergovernmentbudgetforprogrammesonIDPs• Establishinganti-corruptionunittoguaranteetransparency• AUhasdeclared2019asyearofrefugeesandIDPs(KC10)
COLLABORATION
• Importanceofpeerreviewandexperiencesharing;regionalnetworkshouldpickthisissueupmoresystematicallyandweshouldorganiseexchangesamongNHRIs,andbilateralagreements
• WeneedtobuildonthepartnershipwiththeAU
AsiaandEuropeGroup
PREVENTION• creationofearlywarningmechanismsisimportant,ifnotthereyet(e.g.inGeorgiawe
don’thaveitbutinAfghanistanyes:alsoinremoteareasandvillages,weinterviewpeople(KIIs),about7000-7500people,wedisaggregatein17questions,thenalldataiscentrallyanalysedandonereportiscreated;wealsohaveSpecialInvestigationTeamswhentherearemilitaryoperations,tochecksituationsofcivilians);wealsoreceivecomplaintsfrompeoplefromcommunities;overthepastfewyears,weworkedwithUNandcivilsocietygrouptohavepeaceconferenceandconflictpreventionwasdiscussedbecauseitwasexplainedhowevensmalltensionscanleadtoabigconflict-andwetriedtocomeoutwitharoadmaptoseesuggesthowthegovernmentcouldinterveneinthesecases,sothatwecantackletheissuewhenis
• Raiseawarenessofinternationalstandards,IDPsshouldknowabouttheirrightsandlawsshouldadheretointernationalstandards
• Afghanistan:hasearlywarningsysteminplacetomonitorreturnofIDPsandrefugees–interviewpeopleacrossthecountryandbringittocoredatabase–specialinvestigationteam(focusedonconflictzones–monitoringthesituationandmilitaryoperations)–receivecomplaintsfromindividuals.In2011jointlywithCSOs:conductednationaldebateonpeaceanddraftedroadmaptoAfghanistanonhowtheycanpreventconflictandsolvesmalldisputes(land,water,etc)incommunitiesthroughimmediateinterventionssothatitdoesnotescalateintolargerconflict.
• Preventionofintdisplacementispoliticalquestionrelatedtothepreventionofhumanrightsviolations
• Actionsforpreventionofdisplacementdependsonthetypeofdisplacement:Disasterinduceddisplacement:Focusonecologicalrights;Violenceinduceddisplacement:Effectivenessofpoliceandlawenforcement;Conflict:Culturalandtribalrights
MONITORINGANDADVOCACY• Importanceofabaseline• NHRIsshouldmonitorsituationsofIDPs• Legalcounsellingandsupportforcivildocumentationshouldbeprovided• Monitoringofeffectiveimplementationoflawsandpolicies• Receivedataregistrationofthoseincollectivecentres.• ThedatawhichNHRIsreceiveneedstobeanalysedsothatitcanbepresentedtothegovt.
inaclearevaluatedwaywithrecommendations.• PHL:NHRIsfacilitatingthepeaceprocess.Makesurethatseparateagenciesdonotworkin
silos–moreworkinginholisticmanner• TheNHRIengageswithcivilsociety/NGOstobuildcapacityofthemtooperateintheareas
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wheretheyarenotabletowork/havepresenceanddoesnothavetheresourcestobe(especiallyusingtechnologyandinnovativeapproachestoachievingthis)
LAWANDPOLICY• Needtoadheretointernationalstandardsandthenimplementation• NHRIsinvolvedindraftingpolicies/legislation(GeorgiaLawin2014)• Ensuringthatlawsdraftedareincoordination/consultationwithNHRIs,Civilsociety,
NGOs,academicsetc.• Facilitationrole–conductingconsultationandactingasplatformbetweencivilsocietyand
govt• Afghan:NHRIsshouldalsohavespecificroletoMonitorpolicyimplementationand
Facilitatethedraftingofnewlegislation• NHRIscanconductAdvocacycampaigningtogetherwithcivilsocietyandmedia• Ukraine:NHRIasaresourcecenterforNGOs–toinformthemonwhattolobby,what
advocacycanbemade,whatmechanisms–tosupportcivilsociety• Ukraine:expertiseguidanceprovidedtoNGOsforlobbying/advocacy–andoncethey
createcampaign,theNHRIsupportstheircampaigns• GoodexamplesofbestpractiseforRegionalcooperationindeliveringstandards:KIEV
declaration:NHRISroleinpreandpostconflict–thisshouldbesharedwithotherNHRIsgloballytoshareexperiences.
COLLABORATION• Roleofmedia:itshouldbetargetedforsensitization,itshouldnotcreatestigmatization• Importanceofworkingwithlocalauthorities
V. Keymessagesandrecommendations(Session3)
Arapporteur foreachregionalbreakoutworkgrouppresented themainconclusionsandkeyrecommendations,whichthegroupshadagreedupon:
➢ Knowledge: Need for further awareness-raising for NHRIs on international standardsand guidelines to be used for advocacy as well as legal and policy advice related tointernaldisplacement.
➢ EssentialtoincludeIDPworkinregularNHRIworkplan.➢ Need for tools and capacity for identification of causes of internal displacement,
recognizing the two types of causes for internal displacement: the immediate causes(the“triggers”,e.g.violence,humanrightsviolations), includingwhentheyarecyclical(e.g.political/post-electionnature)andthemorestructuralrootcausesofdisplacement(poverty,systematicinjustice,lackofopportunities).Howcanwemitigatethestructuralcausesandpreventtheconditionsthatleadtodisplacement?
➢ Particularattentiontotheneedtopreventmultipleinternaldisplacement.➢ Createaconduciveenvironmentforsocialjusticeatthelocalandmunicipallevel➢ Governing planning processesmust take into account preventionmeasures, including
securityresponses.➢ Improvemonitoringon internaldisplacement situationsand conditionsof IDPsbased
onindicators,baselineandmappings. ➢ Accountability:Useofmedia,useoffacts.
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➢ Politicalwillofgovernmentisparamount:howcanwepromoteitandmaintainit? ➢ Needforstrengtheninglawsandpolicyframeworks. ➢ In the African context, the Kampala Convention must be reflected in national
legislations. ➢ Affirmative action for particularly vulnerable IDPs is needed to offset the effects of
internaldisplacement. ➢ Importance of laying out possibilities and opportunities for IDPs to achieve durable
solutions(lookingbeyondreturnifnecessary:localintegration,settlementelsewhere). ➢ Importanceofincludingthehostcommunities. ➢ CompensationmechanismsforIDPsneedtobeinplace ➢ Importance of partnerships: collaboration and coordination – horizontally within
governmentandexternally.
TheNHRIs developed a set of recommendations on how their role in relation to IDP humanrightspromotionandprotectioncanbestrengthened.NHRIsshould
1. UsetheGuidingPrinciplesintheirownwork,asatoolforthemtoundertaketheirrolesin the protection of the human rights of IDPs, including tasks such as: monitoringdisplacement in situations of situation of conflict, disasters, development or humanrights violations; conducting studies and encouraging independent research into thecauses, effects and means of preventing displacement; receiving and acting oncomplaints; advocating with local and national authorities for greater protection forIDPs.
2. Appoint an IDP focal point person or unit to develop and coordinate their work inrelationtoIDPs.
3. SeekcapacitybuildingsupportasneededtoaddressthehumanrightsneedsofIDPs.4. Callontheinternationalcommunityanddonorstostrengthensupportfortheworkof
NHRIsonbehalfofIDPs.5. Recognizeandexpandontheimportantrolethattheycanplayinadvisinggovernment
about the development, application and implementation of laws, programmes andpoliciesoninternaldisplacementinlinewithinternationalstandards.
ADVOCACY
6. ContinuetohighlightthatitistheprimaryresponsibilityofStatesatthenationalleveltoensurethatthehumanrightsofIDPsarerespected,promotedandprotected.
7. Encourage the development of national laws and policies based on the GuidingPrinciplesonInternalDisplacement.
8. Advocate for and work closely with all levels of government and internationalorganizations to develop early-warning systems as well as mechanisms for theprotectionofthehumanrightsofIDPsanddurablesolutionsforthem.
9. Encourage Governments with significant IDP populations to invite the SpecialRapporteuronthehumanrightsofIDPstovisittheircountry.
COLLABORATIONAMONGNHRIs
10. RegularlyinformandupdateglobalandregionalNHRImechanismsaboutIDPactivities.11. FacilitateexchangeamongNHRIsworkingoninternaldisplacementby:
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o Increasing outreach to other NHRIs in the same region experiencing similardisplacement situations to exchange information and response strategies forcross-learning.
o Promoting regional and international meetings among NHRIs where concreteissues relating to the protection of IDPs can be discussed and solutionsdeveloped.
o ConductingexchangeprogrammesbetweenindividualNHRIs.o Continuing to use GANHRI and regional networks as platforms to exchange
information,lessonslearntandrecommendations.12. Initiate a comparative study of early warning systems developed by NHRIs work in
differentinternaldisplacementcontexts.COLLABORATIONWITHOTHERSTAKEHOLDERS
13. Work with governments (including local authorities as “first responders”) as well asIDPs, civil society and local communities to promote the establishment andimplementationofarights-basedapproachtointernaldisplacement.Beaninstrumentforadviceandguidance.
14. When necessary, adopt a facilitation role between civil society and authorities tostrengthentheircooperationoninternaldisplacementchallengesandactivities.
15. Engagewithnon-stateactors,asappropriate,inordertopromoteaccessandattentiontoIDPsinlinewithinternationalstandardsinareascontrolledbythesegroups.
16. Encouragedialogueandcollaborationwiththeprivatesector17. Increaseengagementwithcivilsocietyandsupportwatchdog-statusgroups.18. Seekmembershipofworkinggroups,steeringcommitteesandcommissionsrelatingto
internaldisplacement,bothgovernmentalandsetupbyotheractors(e.g.humanitarianclusters,particularlyprotectionclusters).
DATAANDMONITORING
19. Analyze data collected from monitoring of human rights of IDPs and developrecommendations.
20. Combine monitoring missions with awareness raising for IDPs on their rights andprovisionoflegaladvice.
21. Developbaselinestounderstandthescopeofthephenomenonandqualifythesignsthatcanbeusedforearlywarningincommunities,particularlyhumanrightsviolationsthatcan lead to displacement. This baseline should be agreed together with the localpopulation,localauthoritiesandthegovernment.
22. Monitor the implementation of country-specific recommendations of UN and regionalbodiesandmechanismsrelevanttoIDPs, inparticularthoseoftheSpecialRapporteuronthehumanrightsofIDPs.
23. Monitortheroleofprivatesectorinprevention.AWARENESSRAISING
24. DisseminateandraiseawarenessofrelevantstakeholdersontheGuidingPrinciplesonInternalDisplacement.
25. Engage themedia to jointly agree on language to be used regarding IDPs in order toavoid stigmatization. Usemedia platforms to improve awareness of vulnerabilities ofIDPsandreducehatespeech.
26. Usesocialmediatocommunicateongoingworkoninternaldisplacement.27. Provide a platform to bring sectors together through a broader network that had
approvalofLocalAuthorities(tobetterdefinetheirlegalresponsibilities).
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28. Publishreports/opinionsonaddressinginternaldisplacementsituations.
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VI. ConcludingremarksTheSpecialRapporteurconcludedbyhighlightingthefollowingpoints:
• ImportanceofmainstreamingIDPprotectionintotheworkofNHRIssothatevenwhen external funding close, the work on addressing internal displacement andsupportingIDPscanstillcontinue.
• Insteadofseekingexternalfundingfor‘thematic’IDPwork,thebudgetshouldcomefromthestandardgovernmentbudgeteg.bycreatingaspecificoffice/unit/positionwithin theNHRI regular budget. There is always a challenge of dependency onforeign funding: instead of hiring consultants to monitor and advocate on IDPissues,ensurethatstaffwithintheNHRIreceivescapacitybuildingtoconducttheseactivitiesthemselves–implementationofthemonitoringandadvocacyshouldnotbedonebyexternalconsultants,butshouldinsteadbefromwithintheNHRI.Moresustainableandrequireslessfunds.
• Important to use area-based approaches and look at displacement-specificvulnerabilities.
ThemandateoftheSpecialRapporteurlooksforwardtocontinueworkingwithallNHRIsatthenational,regionalandgloballevel.
VII. Relevantdevelopmentssincetheworkshop
● In the context of the 20th anniversary of the Guiding Principles, the UN Special
RapporteurontheHumanRightsofIDPsparticipatedasapanelistinthePublicHearingon Internal Displacement and Human Rights in the Americas organized by the Inter-AmericanCommissiononHumanRightsinColombiainMarch2018.
● Also inMarch2018, theUNSpecialRapporteurparticipated inameetingofNHRIsontheirroletowardsthepromotionandprotectionofIDPs’humanrightsorganisedbytheEuropean Network of NHRIs (ENNHRI) in Kiev, Ukraine. Participants recognised thecrucialrolethatNHRIsplayinthisarea,including,amongmanyothertasks,toadvocateforandreporton the integration intonational lawof relevant internationalstandardssuch as the Guiding Principles. Participants also called on stakeholders to considerfurther opportunities for working with NHRIs to support their role. Following themeeting, ENNHRI issued a statement on the role of NHRIs in protection of IDPs thatsupports implementation of the GP20 Plan of Action for Advancing Prevention,ProtectionandSolutionsforInternallyDisplacedPeople2018-2020.
● In October 2018, the President of Mexico’s NHRI, Comisión Nacional de los DerechosHumanos deMéxico (CNDH), presented a draft General Law on Internal DisplacementandacorrespondingConstitutionalReformproposaltotheHumanRightsCommitteeoftheSenate.
ANNEX1:PresentationofindividualcountriesANNEX2:WorkshopProgrammeANNEX3:ParticipantsList
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ANNEX1
AFGHANISTAN
● monitoringofhumanrightssituationonIDPsandreturnees ● in2004welaunchedaprogrammewithUNHCRinalmosttheentirecountry;oneoftheearliest
initiativeswastoestablishfieldofficesinareasaffectedbydisplacementandthathelpedtohaveinitiativesinsupportofvulnerableIDPs-partnershipwithUNHCRendedin2010becauseoffundingissues
● WehavecontinuedtoworkonmonitoringresultinginthematicreportswithrecommendationsatthenationalandlocallevelforvulnerableIDPstoliveindignity
● AfghanistanhasanIDPpolicyimplementedslowlywithhugechallenges+nowcreatedofHighcouncilforreturneesandrefugeeswhichalsoattendsIDPs
● butthescaleandscopeofIDPsissohugethatmeasuresarestillnotadequate;newdisplacementsin2016where400,000
● MonitoringreturnofrefugeesandIDPssince2003 ● Launchedprogrammein2004withUNHCRcoveringentirecountry–enabledNHRIstogain
experienceandexpertiseandextendedprogrammeoftheNHRItoalsocoverIDPs ● Commissionhascontinuedmonitoringrolebygoingtoprovincesandvillagesandinterviewing
peoplewithvulnerablebackgrounds–resultedinthematicreportswithrecommendationstogovtnationwideandlocallevel–howtheyshouldattendtotheneedsofvulnerablegroups
● SeesIDPsasvulnerablegroups–needtoliveindignity ● CapacitywhichtheNHRIgainedviatheprojectwasveryimportant ● Progress:NationalpolicyonIDPsisbeingimplemented–withchallenges(capacity,lackofresource,
acuteproblemoflackofgoodgovernance/corruption/accountability/ruleoflaw) ● Scaleofintdisplissobigthatactionsarenotadequate ● InAfghanistanitisnotonlyvillagetocitiesortocampsdisplacementbutalsomanydisplacedfrom
onecitytoanother
ARMENIA● Collaborationwithinternationalpartners,UNHCR–moresystematicguaranteesforprotectionof
IDPs ● Wehavenewfunctionsandcansupportthelegalsysteminthecountry ● AimstoidentifyandmonitorlaborrightsofIDPsandtakemeasures ● Cooperationwithauthoritiesandintpartners-CooperationwithSRonIDPsshouldbecontinuous
BOSNIA&HERZEGOVINA
● importanceofpeaceagreementsaddressingdisplacement.ImportanceoftransitionaljusticeforIDPs! ● roleofNHRIsshouldbedefinedvisavisIDPsincontextofarmedconflict,butalsofollowingthatin
peacebuildingandpost-conflict ● Issueofadequatehousing,legalassistance,psychologicalsupportforIDPs.wearestillreceiving
complaintfromIDPsinrelationtothose ● GuidingPrincipleswerenotinplaceintheearly1990s,sothequestionnowishowdoweusethem
now? ● Importanceofdurablesolutions-noteasy:freedomofchoiceofresidenceshouldbeatthecentreand
shouldnotbeusedtojustifyethniccleansingbythegovernment ● 3elements:
▪ weareadvocatingforharmonisationoflegislationwithinternationalstandards ▪ wesupportstronginstitutions,otherwisegoodlawsarenotenough ▪ goodprocedures
● HatecrimesandIDPs-weneedtoensurenon-discrimination
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● StillhavecollectivecentersofIDPs-whichischallengeforvulnerablegroups ● NeedtousetheGPsasakeyframeworktoguidework–aswedidnothavethisguidelineduringthe
conflict ● Durablesolutionsequalsoptions(freedomofchoicechoose) ● TheBosniangovtisusingdurablesolutionsasawaytoignorethepastofethniccleansing ● Needstronginstitutionstoimplementlegislations(lawsarenotenough–youalsoneedappropriate
institutionstoimplementandfollowuponthis) ● Advocatingharmonizationoflegislations ● HavechannelsofcommunicationbetweenIDPsandinstitutions ● TJ:ManyIDPsarevictimsofseveralviolationsandwithoutTJinplace,itisnotpossibletobringtruth,
justiceandreparationstothem
COLOMBIA● 8millionesdevíctimasenColombiaporelconflictoarmado,7.3sonIDPs ● TrabajodelaCorteConstitucional ● 3programasespecíficos:defensorescomunitariosenlasregiones,enloslugaresmasapartados,en
contactoconlascomunidades;trabajamosmuycercaconelACNURparacrearestas“casasdederechos”dondeprestamoslaatención
● migranpreocupación:larestitucióndetierras.Tercerosocupantesytodoeso,ynohayseguridadnilavoluntaddepoderlohacer.
● hoy,Colombiatieneunprocesodepaz;problemasconectadosalELN,necesidaddecreacióndecorridorioshumanitarios
● nuevosmovimientosguerrillerosquesededicantambiénalnarcotráfico ● HouseofRightsprogramme ● RestitutionoflandsforIDPswillnotbeeasy-3rdpartyoccupantscameingoodfaith– ● PeaceagreementwithRevolutionaryarmedgroup(FRAC)whichnowhasstandingofpoliticalparty ● ColombianeedassistanceofEUandUSAtoaddressflowofrefugees ● Guerillamovementshavefoundwaytoprovidemeasureofrelief–arenotallowedfreedomof
movement
DRC● theissueofIDPsinDRCisanoldone,butourcommissionisnew(2015) ● maincauses:conflict,inter-communalviolence,disasters,largescaledevelopmentprojects ● reallylargescaleproblem,hugecountry,wedidforexampleastudyinTanganyika,amonitoringvisit
inDecember.Theyhaveissuesinrelationtohousing,awholerangeofprotectionissues;areasofrefuge,sometimeshostingcommunitydoesnotaccepttheIDPs
● pendularmovement,difficulttoidentifywhoisanIDPandwhoishostcommunityetc. ● wedidareportwithrecommendationsfortheinstitutionsandwetrytodofollowuptothe
recommendations ● wearetryingtopromotethelawoninternaldisplacement ● activitiestosupportpeaceandreconciliationacrosscommunities ● Needforprofiling/evidencebaseonwhoisanIDPandwhoisnot
GEORGIA
● displacementsituationgoestobackto1992andthen2008again ● wedomonitoringinIDPsettlements(collectivecentres),veryusefulforIDPsregardingprocesseson
what’shappeningandsupportavailabletothem,wealsodolegalcounselling ● weprepareyearlyreporttogovernment+specialreportsdependingonpriorities; ● wecooperatewiththegovernment,weareinvolvedineverycommissionthatthegovernmenthason
IDPs;inthepastwehadlittleinformationbutnowthishasimproved;wehavetransparentcriteriaforhousingallocationtosupportdurablesolutions.DSisabigpriorityforthegovernment;thereisanewstrategy,focusingonlivelihoodsbutherearestillpeoplelivinginverydireconditions.
● Ombudsmanoffice–veryinvolvedineveryphaseofIDPs–monitoring
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● MonthlymonitoringinIDPcentres–alsoinformingIDPsabouttheprocesses-providingIDPswithlegalconsultation
● OmbudsmanalsowritesAnnualreportstotheparliamentandsomeofthereccsincludeonIDPs ● GovthasdevelopeddocumenttoprovideIDPswithhousing(privatizationprocess) ● NHRIismemberoftheSteeringcommitteeingovtforlegislativepartsofthisareas
GUATEMALA
● Displacementcausedbypovertyandviolence ● wehaveanMoUwithACNURandweareworkingonastudyoninternaldisplacement,togetherwith
academics,thatwillhopefullygiveustheevidencebasethatweneed ● InternaldisplacementnotseenasaproblembytheStateauthorities– ● 2017signedagreementwithUNHCR ● Wanttoraiseissueamongstgeneralpopulationsothatitbecomesmorevisible ● Notfocusedunderstandingoftheprobleminacoredatabase–clearroadmaponhowtotackleissues ● Promotedexchangeofinformation
HONDURAS
● desplazamientoporviolencia ● creacióndelaCIPPDV ● trabajodecreacióndepolíticaspublicas; ● estudiodecaracterización ● anteproyectodeley ● tenemoselapoyodeACNUR;creacióndeunaunidad;enfoquedeseguridadhumanaydesarrollo
sostenible ● RoleoftheNHRIisdonefromapproachofsecurityforlocalsustainabledevelopment–focuson
preventionandlonglastingsolutions(lookingatlinksbetweenintforceddisplandforcedmigration). ● Mustoverseegovtfulfilmentofallguidelines–assistancethroughoversight
IRAQ
● Govpushtoreturn,thesearesometimesforcedreturnsespeciallybecausewehaveelectionscomingupandtheycanonlyvoteinplaceoforiginbutveryoftenthisdoesnotmakesensebecausethereisnothingtoreturnto,citiesaredestroyed,therenoschoolsorhospitals
● Mostpeopleactuallydonotwanttogoback,especiallythosethatarenowlivinginKurdistanregionforexample;theysaynowourstandardoflivingisbetter,wehavemoresecurity…
KENYA
● collaborationwithUNHCRandOHCHR ● Fieldmonitoringforhumanrightsanddurablesolutions ● wehaveachievedafewthings:wenowhavea2012IDPAct;wearepartoftheNCCCitcreated;we
supportedthedraftofanIDPpolicyadoptedbycabinet ● Challenges:adoptionofthepolicy,implementationoftheact,rolesandresponsibilitiestobe
identified,notratifiedKC,insufficientinformationontheneedsofIDPs,overfocusonPEVIDPs,nofocusonurbanIDPs,disasterIDPsetc.;noconcertedeffortsattheinternationalleveltoo;
● IDPsinKenya:livinginUrbanandinformalsettlementsandwithhostfamilies–nobasicservices–displacedfor20years–causesaremultiple(politicalviolence,naturaldisaster,warsbetweentribalgroups,forcedevictionsduetodevelopmentprojects,postelectoralviolence)
● Keyprotectionconcerns:securitychallengeswhichmanifestsitselfinSGBVchallenges, ● GovtyettoadoptdraftnationalpolicyonIDPs ● YettoratifyKampalaconvention
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KOSOVO● IDPssince1999,almost20,000;mainissuesconcernedHLP,accesstoservices ● Whateverwecando,reports,evenwiththemostperfectrecommendations,theissueisalwaysthe
implementationofitsrecommendationsbytheGovernment! ● by2010,manyissueswereaddressedinrelationtoHLP(thankstoKPA),civildocuments,accessto
services…Theproblemsremainswithsocialbenefitsandsocialcohesion ● Mainlearning:abigchallengewasclearinformationandevidencebaseonwhoweretheIDPs!Also,
thegovernmentdidnotworkonalawtoprovideanoverallframework,itisworkingonaregulationnow
● Bigissueintermsofimplementationofstandards,perhapsitistimetoreviewthembecausetheyareabitupdated-examplewedon’thaveadefinitionofthestandardsofprotectingdignity-whatdowemeanbythat?
● Weneedawebsitewherewecanputallwhatwedoinoneplacesothatwecanalllearnfromeachother?(AskGANHRI)
● Reportsarenotonlysolution-DependshowmuchthegovernmentactuallyimplementstherecommendationsofNHRIs
● SocialbenefitsandsocialintegrationsofIDPs ● ProliferationofIDps–govtwasdoingad-hoctosupportIDPsbutwithoutanyproliferationofthe
IDPs–sonoonewasfullyawareofthenumbers/locationsetc. ● GovthasnotbeenabletoestablishlocallegalinstrumentstohelpgivelegalstatusofIDPs–this
wouldhelptomonitortheIDPs ● ManystandardsandframeworksandresolutionsweredevelopedbyUNtoomanyyearsagoandare
nowoutdated.HowcanweasNHRIsproperlyaddressissuesof‘protectionofdignity’ifthereisnouniformdefinitionofthewordinUNresolutionsandglobalstandards?
MEXICO● Desplazamientoporvariascausas;necesariodarvisibilidadalfenómeno ● Medidascautelares ● Estudiosobredesplazamientointerno ● Foruminternacionalen2017conelSenado ● Protocoloen2017 ● RecomendaciónalGobiernodelestadodeSinaloa ● Anteproyectodeleyfederalsobredesplazamientointerno ● ColaboraciónconlaONUyconlaredinteramericanaparatenerunaaudienciatemáticaenlasesión
defebrero ● Publishedrecommendationtoprotectrightsandmakesurepeoplearenotvictimstwice. ● Developedasetofguidelinesforgovernmentstoaddressaftermathofphenomenon ● Studyforcivilianprotection ● LatinAmericannetworkofinstitutions
NIGER
● maincauseisviolenceandconflict,evenifyouhavefloodsaswell; ● situationinDiffa:moreIDPsthanothergroups(refugees,returningrefugees);+pendularmovements
acrossborders(issurroundedbyconflict-affectedcountriesandinstability–terroristgroups) ● 3regionaloffices:Diffa;borderwithMali;borderwithNigeriaformonitoring ● MembersoftheProtectionCluster ● There’snolegalandpolicyframeworkinplace ● civiliancharacterofcamps ● ManagementofIDPcamps–oftenincursionswhichmakesecurityveryunstable ● Rigorousmanagementofthecampsisneeded ● GoodpractisewithUNHCR:(todistinguishbetweenrefugeesandIDPs)–takingdigital
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prints/biometricregistrationtoidentifyeveryoneandputintogroupsaccordingtotheirneedsandwhohasrightstoassistanceandwhere.ThisishoweverdangerousinsomecontextsandsomeIDPswishtoremainanonymousorareatriskofpersecution.
NIGERIA
● wewereabletoputaprotectionframeworkinplacerecruitingandtrainingcommunitybasedmonitorswiththesupportofUNHCRtomonitorthesituationofIDPsatthestateandnationallevel,resultinginanationalreportatthestateandnationallevel
● wehavecommunitybasedactiongroupsincludingIDPsandhostcommunitiestoaddressincreasingtensions
● thisworkhasledtoincreasedawareness,weareworkingonadraftlawoninternaldisplacement ● periodictrainingonIDPprotectionissuesoflawenforcementincludingmilitary,whichhashelpeda
lot ● challenges:fundingconstraintsledtoreducingfocuson3statesratherthan7butincreasedinter
communalviolence,sochallenge ● SharesofficeswithUNHCRtoensurejointsupervision ● Taskteamtocollectandharmonizeinformation–tohavenationwidereportonintdisplacompiling
fieldreports ● EstablishedworkinggroupmadeupofIDPsandhostcommunitymembers-tominimizetheconflict
betweenthem(stemmingfromfightingoverresources) ● Challengesinregardtofunding–fundingconstraintssohavehadtofocusononly3States. ● IssueofprivatizationofNHRIs ● TensionsbetweenNHRIsandpopulationofconcernwhenthereisalackofcontinuedfundingfor
NHRIprogrammes–NHRIsstartupprogrammesandthenhavetowithdrawwhendonorsshutofffunding
● Differentmechanism/sourcestotapintoinsteadofjustUNHCRtosupportIDPs?(WorldBank,privatepartnerships,SDGsinstitutions)
PERU● maincause:disasters,sexualandgenderbasedviolence ● twodraftlawsweproduced:focusonhumanrightsforalldisaster-relatedlegislation,whichis
currentlylacking! ● AGDapproached ● Tryingtopromotethattheyrecognizeallpopulationgroupsthatneedimmediateattentionforany
disasters–aswellasensuringthatinformationisprovidedinalllanguages(toensureallethnicgroupsareabletobeawareofall)
PHILIPPINES● 3causesofdisplacement:disasters,compoundedbypoorDRRprojectsandprograms;generalised
violence;newphenomenon:state-sponsoredpolicyofextrajudicialkillingofpeopleallegedlyinvolvedindrugs,whichisleadingtothedisplacementofpeopleparticularlyinurbanareas;development-induceddisplacementduetolarge-scaleprojects,extractiveindustries…
● generalestimate700,000to1millionIDPs ● wedomonitoring;wepushtheIDPbilltobeadopted;capacitybuildinginternallyandexternally;we
createdamonitoringcentreandwenowhaveanIDPmonitoringtoolwhichwillhopefullycreatebetteranalysisoftheIDPsituation
● MonitoringmissionstoIDPsites ● DevelopedIDPmonitoringtool–willaidtodeveloppoliciesandprogrammes–moreeffectivehandle
onissuesofIDPs
UGANDA
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● Nowit’sbeen10yearsthatwedon’thaveinternaldisplacementinUganda(LRAconflict) ● atthetimeoftheconflict,familyseparationwasahugeissueseehadtosupport;theissueoflandand
landrestitutionwashuge,orrecoveryoflandforchildrenwhentheyparentshaddied,ordemarcationoflandwasnotthereanymore;issueoftheelderlyincampsthathadnoonetotakecareofthemorhadnowheretogo.
● wemustpushourgovernmentstotakecareofthesepeopleoranentiregenerationwillbelost
UKRAINE● highnumber1,7millionIDPsbutthisisthenumberofpeopleregistered,manyneedtoregisterjustto
receiveassistanceandbenefits ● righttowhat?RighttovoteofIDPswasnotrespectedinlocalelectionsthelasttime,sowearenow
workingonnewlegislationinpreparationforupcomingelectionstoensurenon-discriminationofIDPs
● we’reworkingtogetherwithcivilsocietyandIDPorganisations“nothingforuswithoutus”(IDPparticipation);centralbodystillnotveryeffectivebecausetheyarenotinfluential
● NationalstrategyforHumanRights2018-2020,veryimportantpartonrightsofIDPs-sofarrealisedat20%
● VerygoodcooperationwithUNDP,UNHRmission,givingusinformationalsoonthesituationinnon-controlledterritories
● Absenceofstrategicalvision–lackofpolicy ● Challengeofnon-authoritativeareas–territoriesheldbyNSGs ● IDPsrefusedtoparticipateinelection ● Importanttodemonstratenon-discrimination ● ItwasNHRIsinitiativetocreateCentralbodytomanageintdisplacementingovt–butCSOshave
reportedthatitisnotveryeffectiveduetonothavingclearroleingovernment. ● WorkingwithHRDs,CSOreps,IDPsreps,etc.todraftgovtstatepolicyinfieldfoHRandstaretgic
visiononfutureofIDPsandnon-controlledterritories ● GoodcooperationwithUNDPandUNMission.
ZAMBIA
● Issueslinkedtopoliticalviolence(electionsin2016);everythingwhatourcolleaguefromZimbabwementioned,affectusaswell.
● developmentinduceddisplacementbybigcorporations,withnocompensationinplace;miningactivities
ZIMBABWE
● maincauses:politicalviolence,similarexperienceasinKenya,houseswereburntdown,littlegovernmentresponse;disasters,includinglakeflooding;issueoflackofresourceshasbeenahugechallengeforgovernments;wealsohadissueslinkedtothelandreformandlandprogrammebythegovernment,asaresultofwhichpeopleweredisplacedandreceivednoadequatehousing.
● wecarriedoutinvestigationssince2014toproviderecommendationstoGovernments,includingtoParliamenttolookatalegalframeworkondisasterpreventionandmanagement
● GovernmentratifiedtheKampalaConvention ● peopledisplacedbyminingactivities;commissiondidinquiry ● Politicalviolence,man-madedisasters(notproperlypre-planned),farmersundergovtfarm
programmebecomingsquattersorlivinginman-madeshelters,Mzingolake,mining ● Attemptsfornormativeframeworkstodealwithdisplacementhavefailed ● ThereisnoplanbygovttotakecareofIDPs-Lackofresources ● ZimsignedKCin2014–soamhopingnationallawswillbeputinplace.
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ANNEX2
WorkshopontheroleofNationalHumanRightsInstitutionsin
promotingandprotectingthehumanrightsofInternallyDisplacedPersons
Dateandtime:Tuesday20February2018(9:30-18:00)
Venue:PalaisdesNations(buildingA),Geneva–RoomVIII,3rdfloor BackgroundMorethan40.3millionpeopleareuprootedwithintheirowncountriesbyconflict,violenceandhumanrightsviolations-6.9millionpeoplewerenewlydisplacedin2016alone.Millionsmoreare displaced every year in the context of disasters and climate change. In addition, anincreasingnumberofIDPsremaindisplacedforyearsorevendecades.In2014,morethan50countrieswerereportedtohavepeoplelivinginprotractedinternaldisplacementformorethan10years. Internaldisplacementonthisscale isunlikelytoreverseanytimesoon,particularlygiven the number of ongoing conflictswithout political solutions and the continuing adverseeffectsofclimatechange.
The Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement, presented to the UN Commission onHumanRights in1998, constitute thekeydocumenton theprotectionandassistanceof IDPsworldwide. They definewho an IDP is, and set out their rights to be protected and assistedbefore and during displacement and in their search for durable solutions. They restate thatnationalauthoritieshavetheprimaryresponsibilityforprotectinginternallydisplacedpersons,and clarify key principles relating to humanitarian assistance by international and non-governmental bodies. The Guiding Principles are highly authoritative, as they restate IDPs’rightsasenshrinedininternationalhumanrightsandinternationalhumanitarianlaw,andhavebeenrecognisedasanimportantframeworkfortheprotectionandassistanceofIDPs.
National human rights institutions (NHRIs) can play an important bridging role betweeninternational and national human rights and humanitarian protection systems and betweennationalauthorities,civilsocietyandthosewhoareaffectedbyinternaldisplacement.Inrecentyears, an increasing number of NHRIs around the world have increased their attention tointernal displacement into their work. NHRIs have played an important role in raisingawareness of internal displacement, monitoring displacement situations and returns,investigatingindividualcomplaints,advocatingforandadvisingthegovernmentonthedraftingof national policies to address internal displacement, and monitoring and reporting on theimplementationofnationalpoliciesandlegislation.
Workshopobjectives:
● To take stockof current rolesofNHRIsonprotectionof IDPs, inorder toexplore the
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range of NHRIs’ modalities of engagement in policy and operational response at thelocal,nationalandregionallevelandinspirestrengthenedaction;
● To enableNHRIs to exchange experiences and strategies relating to the protection ofIDPs
● To discuss challenges, identify key lessons and emerging good practices as well asconcreterecommendationsonhowtheroleofNHRIs inpromotingandprotecting thehumanrightsofIDPscanbestrengthened.
This eventwill result in aworkshop report,whichwill be shared among all participants andpartners. Itwillalsobepartofa largerconsultativeprocess ledbytheSpecialRapporteuronthehumanrightsofIDPsinpreparationforher2019reporttotheUNHumanRightsCouncil,which will be dedicated to this topic. A questionnaire has been sent out to all NHRIs inpreparationfortheworkshop.
Participantpreparationandcontributionexpected:Werequestthateachparticipantcomespreparedwith:
1. Abrief5-minuteoverview(onlyonepercountry,ifmorethanoneparticipantfromthesame country) on the work of your NHRI in relation to internal displacement, withreferencetomainchallengesandexamplesofgoodpractices
2. ReflectionsonyourNHRIs’involvementinthefollowingareas:● Preventionofinternaldisplacement; ● MonitoringandadvocacyonIDPs’humanrights,includingdurablesolutions; ● Lawsandpoliciesoninternaldisplacement; ● CooperationamongNHRIsandwithpartnersatnational,regionaland
internationallevel.
Inparticular:- Whatarethemainobstacles,keylessonsandemerginggoodpracticeswhenit
comestoNHRIsengagingintheseareas? - WhatkeyrecommendationsdoyouproposetostrengthenNHRIs’roleoneachof
theseissues(prevention,monitoringandadvocacyonIDPs’humanrights,aswellaslawandpolicy)?
- WhatstepsandstrategiescanbeadoptedtostrengtheneffectivecollaborationamongNHRIsandwithotherpartners(nationalgovernment,UN,NGOs)atnational,regionalandinternationallevels?
PleasedohesitatetocontactMartinaCaterinaatcaterina@unhcr.orgifyouhaveanyquestionsontheexpectedcontribution.
Agenda: Workshop on NHRIs and IDP protection
Date: 20 February 2018 (09:30 - 18:00)
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Venue: Room VIII, Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland
Tuesday 20th February
09h30 – 10h00
Workshop registration (coffee will be served)
10h00 – 10h10
Opening statements by GANHRI Representative and UNHCR Chief of IDP section
10h10 -
10h30
Welcome and keynote address by Special Rapporteur on the human rights of Internally Displaced Persons, Ms. Cecilia Jimenez-Damary
10h30 – 12h30
Session 1: Sharing of experiences
Session objective: for NHRIs to present overviews of their work on internal displacement, main challenges, good practices
Participants’ 5-minute overviews (one presentation per country)
12h30-
13h00
Wrap-up session by the Special Rapporteur on key points from shared experiences
Instructions for the afternoon session
13h00 – 15h00 Lunch / Free time
15h00 – 16h30
Session 2: Regional breakout group work
Session objective: to identify key lessons, emerging good practices and recommendations for strengthening NHRIs’ engagement on IDP issues in the following key areas:
- Prevention of internal displacement; - Monitoring and advocacy on IDPs’ human rights, including durable solutions; - Laws and policies on internal displacement; - Cooperation among NHRIs and with partners at national, regional and international level
16h30 – 17h45
Session 3: Feedback to plenary and discussion
Rapporteurs for each Regional Breakout Groups to present discussions and key recommendations / Q&A
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Group Americas: 20 mins
Group Africa: 20 mins
Group Asia and Europe: 20 mins
Wrap-up session on main conclusions and key points
17h45-
18h00
Concluding remarks by the Special Rapporteur, highlighting GP20 activities planned and way forward
ANNEX3
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