Internal Displacement

The number of people living in internal displacement rose to a record 75.9 million in 2023, with nearly 47 million new internal displacements stemming from conflicts and disasters, according to a report by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC). In resolution 78/205 the General Assembly highlighted the challenges faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs), including inadequate protection and assistance, and emphasized the need to address root causes and provide humanitarian assistance and durable solutions. Noting with appreciation the report of the Secretary-General's High-level Panel on Internal Displacement and the follow-up Action Agenda on Internal Displacement, the General Assembly encouraged the Secretary-General to work with Member States, the United Nations system and other relevant actors in efforts to address internal displacement, including through regular and enhanced follow-up and collaboration.

At the 46th session of the High-level Committee on Programmes (HLCP) in October 2023, the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on Solutions to Internal Displacement had led a scoping discussion on addressing internal displacement in which the Committee considered the desirability and feasibility of developing a system-wide approach to promote coherent action across the United Nations system under the overarching vision of the Action Agenda on Internal Displacement. In the discussion, members recognized that displacement was a complex, multidimensional, and long-term problem that was growing in scale. It could not be solved by humanitarian actors alone but, rather, required an integrated cross-pillar approach. The UN system needed to align behind a comprehensive, systematic, solutions-oriented approach that would meet the needs of affected communities. Consequently, the Committee agreed to establish a working group, under the leadership of the Special Adviser on Solutions to Internal Displacement, to prepare a proposal to enhance system-wide coherence on internal displacement for consideration by HLCP at its 47th session and with the aim to deliver a proposed system-wide approach to internal displacement by the end of 2024. Subsequently, the working group on internal displacement was formed, drawing on the multi-disciplinary expertise of 28 members. 

At the 47th session in March 2024, the Committee provided guidance to the working group on the process of developing a comprehensive approach spanning humanitarian, development, peace and security pillars. Emphasis was placed on the interconnected nature of prevention, response, and resolution efforts, requiring collaboration across sectors and early engagement of development partners. The importance of strengthening prevention and bridging normative and operational work was also highlighted. With respect to enhancing predictability in addressing internal displacement, members emphasized the need for programmatic approaches, adequate financial resources, agile responses, quality data, and engagement with Member States to achieve a coherent and effective approach to internal displacement.

The draft system-wide approach will be presented for approval at the 48th session of HLCP in October 2024.