National and Regional Laws and Policies
on Internal Displacement 

SUDAN

Background

Decades-long conflict in Sudan has created one of the world’s largest populations of internally displaced persons, numbering 4.9 million. Two million were displaced as a result of the North-South Civil War, which was ended in 2005 with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). An additional 2.7 million have been displaced from Sudan’s Darfur region, where rebel groups took up arms against the central government in 2003.

The Representative of the Secretary-General on Internally Displaced Persons undertook missions to Sudan in 1992 and then again in 2002. In 2005, his successor conducted another mission to Sudan to assess the probability of returns following the signing of the CPA.

For access to the mission reports of the Representative, go to: http://www.brookings.edu/projects/idp/rsg_info.aspx.
 

Sudan's National Policy on Internal Displacement (2009)

Purpose: Sudan’s national policy on IDPs recognizes the civil and political, as well as economic, social and cultural rights of the country’s internally displaced persons. It strives to promote voluntary settlement and reunification of IDP families, and involve affected groups and communities in the planning of programs and projects which seek to respond to their needs. Through the promotion of reintegration, the government seeks to establish sustainable peace and development programs which they hope will reduce relief dependency and encourage self-reliance.  

Responsibilities: All levels of government – from the federal to the local level - are responsible for the effective fulfillment of guarantees enumerated in the national policy. [Section 5(a)19] A High Committee is tasked with the planning for the protection of, and assistance to, those displaced by conflict, violations of human rights, and both natural and man-made disasters. 

Content: The policy covers all phases of displacement, and all actors involved in the planning of projects and programs that address IDPs’ welfare.

Other provisions of note include: 

• recognition of the right to freedom of movement [s.5(a)3]
• acquisition of identification documents and papers, as well as land possession certificates. [s.5(a)9]
• recognition of the right to work. [s.5(a)10]
• recognition of the principle of voluntary return. [s.5(a)13]
• recognition of the right of IDPs to equal participation in public affairs. [s.5(a)20]
• community involvement in planning, implementation and evaluation of resettlement activities and programs. [s.5(b)1]
• recognition that all the above provisions are derogable for reasons deemed necessary for the safety and security of the people. [s.6]