Some might query whether it is
too early to even be asking this
question. It is only in very recent
years, after all, that awareness and
concern have been raised of the plight
of IDPs, their specific needs and vulnerabilities,
and that focused attention
has begun to be devoted to developing
effective international and national
responses. However, there are a number
of compelling reasons for
addressing this question.
Because decisions that internal displacement
has ended inevitably lead
to the termination of programmes
addressing IDPs’ particular needs
and indeed to IDPs effectively disappearing
as a specific group of
concern, it is critical to understand
the basis on which such decisions
are made and the extent to which
they match objective realities on the ground.
Commentary
Bringing the end into sight for Internally Displaced Persons
May 1, 2003