Finding Durable Solutions

• A happy IDP in Columbia shows her new identity card. [Photo: UNHCR/P.Smith]

  Governments bear the primary responsibility for the protection of IDPs. They must invest sufficient political and financial capital in supporting their IDP populations, particularly in finding long-term solutions. They must facilitate national and local reconciliation processes, re-build basic public services and enforce the rule of law. 

• Governments must also work more closely in support of each other and share their experiences and lessons learnt. 

• IDPs must be consulted at all stages of the response to their situation. In particular, IDPs should be engaged in peace process to ensure the appropriate resolution of their situation. 

• More coordinated action amongst humanitarian and development actors, including transition from the humanitarian phase to the recovery and development phase, is needed to strengthen the international response to internal displacement.

Next: Mozambique: A Success Story