Every year, millions of people are forced from their homes by conflict, violence, development projects, disasters and the effects of climate change. Some are able to return home and try to rebuild their lives. Others attempt perilous journeys across borders to seek refuge. The majority, however, remain trapped within their own countries waiting for the chance to go home.
These are internally displaced persons (IDPs): there are at least 40 million of them around the world today.
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Millions more around the world are displaced by conflict and violence.
These are civilians caught up in wars they have no power over or communities harassed by criminal gangs. They often face years of displacement.
IDPs do not cross international borders to seek refuge and asylum.
And, unlike refugees, they are largely invisible to the rest of the world.
IDPs are among the most vulnerable populations in the world.
Unlike refugees who flee their country in search of safety, IDPs are not protected by internatonal law.
They are reliant on their own government for protection and assistance, even though their government may be responsible for displacing them.
Marginalised groups - including women and children, the poor, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations - are disproportionately affected and often experience discrimination.
Urban centres
Displacement camps are not a viable option in the long-term so the majority of IDPs in the 21st Century reside in cities and towns, often hosted by family or community members.
Across borders
Many IDPs will be forced to flee multiple times during their lifetime. Some will have no other option than to cross an international border in search of safety.
Displacement drivers
It is not just violence and disasters that force people to abandon their homes. Development projects, like the construction of dams, and gradual environmental processes, such as drought and sea-level rise, also cause displacement.
Protracted displacement
When people have been displaced for a long time it has a negative impact on their personal wellbeing but also the development of their country.