Refugees and IDPs
A refugee is a person who, due to fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, has fled outside the country of his or her nationality. Persons who, for the same reasons, flee their homes but remain inside their country are known as “internally displaced persons” (IDPs). The largest movements of refugees and IDPs in recent years have resulted from intra-state conflicts.
Key tasks of refugee work in post-conflict situations are the provision of humanitarian assistance, and the organization of the return and reintegration of refugees and IDPs. This may not be an explicit part of the mandate of a peace operation; nevertheless, they are closely connected to its work. Generally, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is responsible for the coordination and implementation of refugee work. Civilian personnel in peace operations carry out supporting and coordinating functions.
This area of activities is closely linked to human rights and humanitarian affairs.
Possible Tasks and Functions
- Early warning of refugee/IDP flows
- Assisting in the provision of humanitarian aid for refugees and IDPs
- Presenting essential information to refugees and IDPs
- Providing needs analysis for the accommodation of refugees and IDPs
- Supporting voluntary repatriation, resettlement, and reintegration programmes
- Monitoring the security situation of returning refugees/IPDs
- Advising returning refugees/IDPs in cases of property disputes
- Supporting social and economic reintegration
- Raising public awareness on refugee rights
- Carrying out public information campaigns on refugee rights and refugee return programmes
- Advising national authorities on adapting legal standards and procedures to international refugee law
updated September 2009