Who is an Internally Displaced Person (IDP)?
An IDP is someone who has fled their home for reasons similar to refugees — armed conflict, violence, human rights violations or disasters — but remains within their country’s borders. IDPs do not benefit from international refugee law protections because they have not crossed a border.
Their rights and protections are outlined in the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement but implementation depends on their own government — which may lack capacity or willingness to assist.
Refugees vs. IDPs at a Glance
| Criteria | Refugees | IDPs |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Crossed an international border | Remain inside their own country |
| Legal protection | Protected under international law (1951 Convention, UNHCR mandate) | Protected under national law; guided by UN principles |
| Status | Recognized and supported by international actors | Not considered refugees; no UNHCR refugee mandate |
| Assistance | Eligible for asylum; supported by UNHCR and host states | Often depend on national authorities and NGOs for aid |
Why Does This Distinction Matter for Impact-Focused Work?
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Legal protections differ — Refugees benefit from specific international legal frameworks; IDPs’ protection often hinges on domestic law and political will.
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Access to assistance varies — Refugees typically receive support from international agencies like UNHCR. IDPs may fall through gaps where national governments are unable or unwilling to act.
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Scale of displacement — IDPs often outnumber refugees globally. According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), millions remain displaced within their own countries — a massive challenge for national and international actors alike.
How Can You Contribute?
Whether you’re working in policy, operations, advocacy or field programming, you can help address the needs of refugees and IDPs:
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Join organizations making a difference — Consider roles with DRC, IOM, IRC, OCHA or NGOs dedicated to displacement-affected populations.
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Advocate for better protection frameworks — Promote policies that strengthen legal protections and durable solutions for displaced populations.
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Support capacity building — Work with local authorities and communities to strengthen response systems that serve IDPs and refugees alike.
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Raise awareness and mobilize resources — Encourage donors and the public to prioritize displacement issues.