Internal displacement and the threats to human security workshop

Although the problem of internally displaced persons (IDPs) is widespread in Africa, pinning down the concept has remained problematic as there are unresolved conceptual and operational debates relating to IDPs' protection and assistance. These groups are usually ignored and they live in appalling conditions. The majority of the victims are usually from marginalised groups. IDPs are prone to undergo abuse and their human rights are very often grossly violated. Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights' Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement has succeeded in drawing global attention to this issue. However, it is also important to point out that mobilising action to address the problem has not been successful. Because of their vulnerability, IDPs have been identified as the largest 'at risk' population in Africa. They thus require special forms of protection and assistance, which the national and international community have largely failed to provide adequately. In view of the above, the African Human Security Initiative (AHSI), a network of several African organisations working on peace and conflict in Africa, organised a consultative workshop on Internal Displacement and the Threats to Human Security for stakeholders in the Greater Horn of Africa.