Brookings-LSE Project on Internal Displacement

Kampala Convention on Internal Displacement

The Kampala Convention: Entry Into Force

The adoption of the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (Kampala Convention) by African governments in 2009 marked a milestone in preventing and addressing one of the continent's most pressing humanitarian crises: the phenomenon of internal displacement. Africa has long had some of the world's highest numbers of IDPs, and the Convention stands out as the first legal instrument intended to bind an entire region on matters related to internal displacement. The Convention entered into force on December 6, 2012 – a mere three years after it was adopted.  

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The Kampala Convention Signatories

The Kampala Convention Signatories

The Kampala Convention reflects the norms included in the 1998 UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement, but also advances international norms on internal displacement in important ways. The Convention breaks new ground in articulating the rights of IDPs and the obligations and roles of African states and a host of other actors – including the African Union (AU), armed groups, international organizations and civil society – to prevent and respond to internal displacement.

The Kampala Convention has the potential to make a significant contribution to improving the wellbeing of IDPs across Africa, but this depends on its effective implementation, and ratification by additional AU member states. The UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons and the Brookings-LSE Project on Internal Displacement are committed to supporting this process, under the leadership of the African Union and in partnership with other relevant regional and international actors. The Special Rapporteur and the Project’s efforts will include awareness-raising, research and advocacy in support of the Convention.

Research and Commentary on the Convention:

On the Occasion of the Commemoration of the Entry into Force of the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa, Chaloka Beyani (December 6, 2012)

A Landmark for Human Rights, Megan Bradley (December 6, 2012)

Strengthened Protection for Internally Displaced Persons in Africa: The Kampala Convention Comes Into Force, Megan Bradley and Mike Asplet (December 6, 2012)

Internal Displacement and the Kampala Convention: An Opportunity for Development Actors, Walter Kälin and Nina Schrepher (November 20, 2012)

A Great Day for Africa! A Great Day for IDPs!, Elizabeth Ferris (November 14, 2012)

What Does the Kampala Convention on Internal Displacement in Africa Mean for Housing, Land and Property Restitution?, Megan Bradley and Mike Asplet (October 25, 2012)

Read more here.

 

Read the Convention

The Kampala Convention is available in English, French, Arabic and Portuguese.

Events

  • On March 26, 2013, the Project hosted a discussion in Washington, DC on this landmark achievement, its implications for IDP protection in Africa, and strategies to support the effective implementation of the agreement. An audio recording and written transcript is available.
  • On June 17, 2011, the Project and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs hosted a forum in Kampala, Uganda to raise awareness and support the Convention. A forum report is available.

Course on Law of Internal Displacement

In early September 2013, the Special Rapporteur and the Brookings-LSE Project on Internal Displacement, in cooperation with UNHCR and the Institute of Humanitarian Law will hold the 9th Course on the Law of Internal Displacement. Given the entry into force of the Kampala Convention and the organizers’ commitment to supporting the effective implementation of this landmark agreement, the course will have a special focus on the Kampala Convention. To facilitate participation from African countries, the course will be held in Kampala, Uganda.