Internally Displaced Persons:
When Civil Liberties
Are Lost in Forced Exile
In our feature article, "Internally Displaced Persons: When Civil Liberties Are Lost in Forced Exile," we take an in-depth look at the shocking human rights situation faced by internally displaced persons worldwide. Prepare for a journey of learning and reflection, where each page will invite you to consider the complexity of this issue. Continue reading and join us in our advocacy and outreach work!
Introduction
Internally displaced persons are individuals who must leave their homes due to war, general violence, human rights violations, natural disasters, or any other circumstance that threatens their safety and well-being in their place of origin. Unlike refugees, they do not cross international borders, remaining within their country.
These people face difficult conditions, great vulnerability, and obstacles to obtaining food, shelter, medical care, and education. Furthermore, because they are within their own countries, they often lack the legal protection and international assistance that refugees receive.
The situation of internally displaced persons poses a significant challenge for the global community, requiring humanitarian responses and durable solutions to meet their needs and protect their essential rights.
Global human rights are essential to ensuring the dignity, equality, and freedom of all people around the world. These rights, which are reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international documents, include aspects such as the right to life, freedom of expression, equality before the law, and protection from torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, among others.
The protection and promotion of global human rights are vital to ensuring that internally displaced persons receive the necessary aid and support, as well as to address the causes that led to their displacement. Furthermore, respect for human rights worldwide helps prevent conflict, build peaceful societies, and advance social justice.
In the case of internally displaced persons, global human rights are a key framework for ensuring that these people obtain protection, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable solutions to their problems, in addition to addressing the rights violations that led to their displacement.
The situation experienced by internally displaced persons profoundly affects their civil rights, as they are at risk of extreme vulnerability, discrimination, and lack of access to basic resources. Losing their homes, livelihoods, and social supports makes it more difficult for them to exercise their civil rights and fully participate in the community.
Furthermore, the lack of legal protection and the possibility of facing violence and abuse can result in serious violations of the human rights of displaced persons. The lack of effective ways to defend their rights and receive compensation for the violations they have suffered worsens their situation, keeping them vulnerable and unprotected.
It is essential that the international community and the governments of affected countries recognize how this crisis impacts the civil rights of displaced persons and take clear actions to ensure their protection, support, and the restoration of their basic rights, in accordance with global human rights principles.
Global Situation of Internally Displaced Persons
By the end of 2024, more than 84 million people were living as internally displaced people worldwide, marking a new record and representing a 51% increase over the past five years, according to the 2025 Global Internal Displacement Report. The majority of these displacements (90%) are due to conflict and violence, while natural disasters also contribute significantly.
Key figures:
84.3 million: Total number of internally displaced people at the end of 2024.
73.5 million: People internally displaced by conflict and violence.
11.6 million: Internally displaced people in Sudan, the largest internal displacement crisis on record, according to UNHCR.
20.1 million: New internal displacements in 2024 due to conflict and violence.
58%: Percentage of the global forcibly displaced population that is internally displaced, according to UNHCR.
Trends and Causes:
Conflict and violence are the main causes of internal displacement, with a 10% increase compared to 2022.
The conflict in Sudan has generated an unprecedented internal displacement crisis, with more than 11 million people displaced.
Disaster-related displacement is also significant, with millions of people displaced each year, according to the IDMC.
The number of internally displaced people has steadily increased in recent years, doubling in the last decade.
Impact:
Internal displacement has serious consequences for people, including the loss of their homes, livelihoods, and access to basic services.
Internally displaced people often live in precarious conditions, with difficulty accessing food, water, shelter, and healthcare.
Internal displacement can lead to social tensions and conflict in host communities.
Efforts to Address Internal Displacement:
Numerous international organizations, such as UNHCR and IDMC, work to monitor, protect, and assist internally displaced people. Initiatives are being implemented to prevent displacement, promote durable solutions, and address the underlying causes of displacement.
Greater commitment from the international community is needed to address this global crisis and protect the rights of internally displaced persons.
It is important to mention that these figures are only approximate, given that the situation of internally displaced persons can fluctuate and there are limitations in obtaining accurate data in certain regions.
Internal displacement can be caused by multiple factors, including armed conflict, sectarian violence, political repression, ethnic discrimination, environmental degradation, natural disasters, and other circumstances of insecurity. These conditions force people to leave their homes in search of shelter and safety, considered a survival measure in extreme situations.
Furthermore, it is crucial to consider that internal displacement can occur abruptly and forcibly, or it can develop gradually as conditions deteriorate and become unsustainable. Regardless of the cause, internal displacement constitutes a violation of human rights and a humanitarian challenge that demands immediate attention and response from the international community.
It is essential to address the root causes of internal displacement and work on conflict prevention, the protection of human rights, and the creation of environments that allow people to remain in their homes in safety and dignity.
Restricted civil liberties are one of the most serious repercussions of internal displacement. Internally displaced persons face multiple difficulties in exercising their fundamental rights, including access to basic services such as housing, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Furthermore, they are exposed to discrimination, stigmatization, and a lack of legal protection, factors that can exacerbate their vulnerability and limit their ability to rebuild their lives.
Insecurity and the threat of violence are ongoing challenges for individuals displaced within their own nations, which can have a profound impact on their psychological and emotional health. The lack of recognition of their status as internally displaced persons and the lack of effective protection systems contribute to reinforcing their fragility and complicating their recovery and reintegration.
In this regard, it is crucial to ensure that internally displaced persons have access to essential protection and support to safeguard their human rights and dignity, as well as to promote their integration and participation in the community. Addressing the effects of the loss of civil liberties in the context of internal displacement requires a holistic strategy involving governments, humanitarian organizations, local actors, and the international community.
The phenomenon of internally displaced persons is intrinsically linked to the ongoing global human rights crisis. The lack of protection and respect for people's fundamental rights represents one of the root causes leading to the forced displacement of millions of people around the world. Discrimination, political persecution, ethnic-based violence, lack of access to justice, and insecurity are just some of the human rights violations that fuel this problem.
Furthermore, the internally displaced persons crisis poses a considerable challenge to the international community in safeguarding human rights. The absence of decisive measures to address this situation results in the continued violation of the civil, political, social, and economic rights of displaced individuals, highlighting a broader global human rights crisis.
It is essential to recognize that the situation of internally displaced persons transcends the individuals affected, as it also impacts global stability and peace. Therefore, addressing this crisis effectively is vital to protecting human rights worldwide and building a more equitable and just future for future generations.
Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons
One of the greatest challenges facing internally displaced persons is their access to justice and legal rights. These individuals are often in a situation of great vulnerability, making it difficult for them to find lawyers and adequate legal resources. The lack of proper documentation and the loss of material assets can also hinder their ability to exercise their legal rights. This situation can result in further marginalization and vulnerability for these individuals, continuing a cycle of injustice.
It is essential to implement legal mechanisms that ensure IDPs have equal access to justice, as well as programs providing free legal advice and assistance in obtaining the necessary documentation.
The protection and safety of internally displaced persons is a critical concern within the context of human rights. These people, forced to flee their homes, face a high risk of violence, exploitation, and abuse. The lack of a safe environment and exposure to armed conflict or generalized violence further increase their vulnerability.
Governments and international organizations need to implement effective protection measures to ensure the safety of internally displaced persons. This includes the establishment of safe camps, the presence of security forces to prevent violence, and psychological support programs for those who have suffered emotional trauma due to their displacement.
Access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and housing is vital to ensuring the well-being of internally displaced persons. However, these people often face obstacles that hinder their access to these services, exacerbating their vulnerability.
Humanitarian assistance programs must be implemented to guarantee equitable access to basic services for internally displaced persons. This includes the creation of healthcare centers in camps, the development of educational programs for displaced children and youth, and the development of housing policies that ensure decent living conditions for these individuals.
Participation in the political sphere is crucial to safeguarding the civil liberties of those who have been internally displaced. When people experience forced displacement, they face the loss of the opportunity to participate in the political life of their nation. This can be evidenced by the inability to exercise their right to vote, express their political positions, or access public office. The lack of political participation can exacerbate the vulnerability of internally displaced persons, as they are deprived of the opportunity to influence decisions that impact their lives and those of their communities.
Furthermore, the restriction on political participation can limit the ability of internally displaced persons to have a voice in the creation of policies that directly affect their well-being and rights. Therefore, it is vitally important to ensure that these people have the opportunity to participate in political processes, whether through representatives who defend their interests or through mechanisms that allow them to express their perspectives and be considered in decision-making.
The exclusion of IDPs from the political sphere not only undermines their civil liberties but also obstructs progress toward sustainable solutions to their situation. Therefore, it is crucial to actively promote and protect the political participation of IDPs, recognizing their fundamental right to be heard and to contribute to the formulation of policies that impact them.
Challenges and Obstacles to the Protection of Internally Displaced Persons
The protection of internally displaced persons is supported by an international legal framework, including the Declaration of Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement. This declaration, ratified by the United Nations General Assembly in 1998, defines the essential rights and principles for the protection of individuals displaced within their own countries as a result of conflict, widespread violence, human rights violations, or natural disasters.
In addition, other relevant legal instruments, such as International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law, provide protection to internally displaced persons. These international legal frameworks establish that States have the obligation to protect and assist displaced persons within their territory, ensuring that they receive the necessary humanitarian assistance and that their fundamental rights are respected.
International legislation and the legal framework provide a solid foundation for the protection of internally displaced persons, establishing standards and principles that States are obligated to follow to ensure the safety and well-being of these vulnerable populations.
The international community has played an essential role in the protection of internally displaced persons, providing humanitarian support, financial assistance, and promoting policies and programs that address the specific needs of these populations. Entities such as the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) and the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross) have worked closely with States to provide protection and assistance to IDPs.
Furthermore, the international community has made efforts to raise awareness about the situation of internally displaced persons and advocate for their rights in a global context. Promoting the rights of these individuals in international forums and applying diplomatic pressure on States that fail to fulfill their legal responsibilities have been key strategies in the international community's responses.
Despite notable progress, challenges remain in the international community's response, particularly regarding the adequate allocation of resources and effective coordination between humanitarian actors and States to ensure comprehensive and sustainable protection of internally displaced persons.
In Latin America, internally displaced persons face particular challenges arising from violence linked to organized crime, internal armed conflicts, and human rights violations. Countries such as Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela have recorded significant influxes of internally displaced persons due to these situations, placing additional pressure on protection and assistance systems.
The lack of legal recognition of internal displacement in certain countries, as well as the stigmatization and discrimination faced by these communities, along with limited state capacity to meet their needs, constitute specific challenges that require special attention. Regional collaboration and the effective implementation of protection policies and programs are essential to address the specific problems present in Latin America and to ensure the protection of internally displaced persons in the region.
It is essential that Latin American governments strengthen their response to internal displacement, ensuring full compliance with international obligations and adopting effective measures to protect and assist these vulnerable populations in the regional context.

Actions and Strategies to Ensure the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons
Internal displacement represents a challenge that impacts millions of individuals globally, depriving them of their homes, livelihoods, and, in many cases, their basic rights. In this context, it is vital to take action at the national and international levels to ensure the protection and recognition of the human rights of internally displaced persons.
At the national level, it is crucial that authorities recognize the reality faced by internally displaced persons and establish regulations that safeguard their rights. This entails developing specific policies, allocating funds for their implementation, and guaranteeing access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and housing. It is also imperative to establish mechanisms for reporting and protecting these individuals, as well as implementing social and economic reintegration programs.
At the international level, it is essential that States work together to safeguard internally displaced persons, respecting the principles of international humanitarian law and human rights. Collaboration between nations to jointly address this issue, support for humanitarian aid initiatives, and promote sustainable solutions are fundamental elements to ensure the protection of these people's rights.

Collaboration between humanitarian organizations and government entities is crucial to providing comprehensive assistance to internally displaced persons. Non-governmental organizations, through their experience and knowledge, can complement state efforts and help fill potential gaps in the protection and support of these people.
Furthermore, governments have a duty to work closely with these organizations, facilitating their work, providing resources, and fostering an enabling environment for their work. Coordination between both parties is essential to ensure effective and timely responses to the needs of internally displaced persons, addressing issues such as food, health, security, and legal assistance.
Furthermore, collaboration between humanitarian organizations and government entities can facilitate the identification of sustainable solutions to internal displacement, promoting reconciliation, community reconstruction, and the restoration of rights.
Awareness and public education are essential tools for cultivating empathy, solidarity, and understanding regarding the situation of internally displaced persons. It is essential to promote awareness-raising campaigns that make this reality visible, dismantle stigmas, and foster respect for the human rights of these people.
Furthermore, public education plays a fundamental role in preventing internal displacement by fostering harmonious coexistence, respect for diversity, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Incorporating topics related to human rights, cultural diversity, and conflict mediation into curricula fosters the development of informed citizens dedicated to defending the rights of all people, including those who have been internally displaced.
Awareness and public education are effective tools for raising awareness about the situation of internally displaced persons, encouraging solidarity and respect for their rights, and preventing future displacement by cultivating a citizenry committed to promoting human rights.
Impact on the Community and Global Society
The situation of internally displaced persons presents a considerable challenge to sustainable development in the impacted areas. Instability and community disruption can hamper post-crisis reconstruction efforts. Those who have been internally displaced require assistance to rebuild their lives and contribute to the sustainable development of their surroundings.
It is imperative to implement strategies that address the specific needs of IDPs, including access to housing, essential services, and employment opportunities. Post-crisis reconstruction must incorporate programs that foster self-reliance and the active involvement of IDPs in revitalizing their communities.
Investment in the sustainable development of areas that have experienced internal displacement not only benefits the displaced, but also promotes stability and improves the overall well-being of society.
Effective management of the internal displacement crisis requires robust collaboration in international relations and humanitarian diplomacy. Countries, along with international organizations, must cooperate to address the root causes of internal displacement and offer long-term, sustainable solutions.
Humanitarian diplomacy plays an essential role in defending the human rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs) worldwide. Promoting humanitarian principles and fostering international cooperation are key components in ensuring the protection and support of IDPs in different parts of the world.
Building strong partnerships among international actors is crucial to adequately addressing the internal displacement crisis and ensuring that the human rights of this vulnerable population are respected and protected globally.
The successful reintegration of IDPs into society is critical to ensuring their long-term well-being. Reintegration programs must address both the material and psychosocial needs of IDPs, providing comprehensive support that facilitates their return to everyday life.
It is essential to promote social inclusion and reject discrimination during the reintegration process, ensuring that IDPs have equitable access to educational, employment, and civic participation opportunities. Creating environments that foster acceptance and mutual respect is key to achieving effective reintegration.
Reintegration initiatives must involve the entire community, promoting unity and collaborative work to assist IDPs in their return to their homes and communities. Effective reintegration not only provides benefits to IDPs, but also strengthens social cohesion and fosters stability in regions impacted by internal displacement.
Conclusions
Safeguarding the rights of those who have been internally displaced is essential in the contemporary global context. The condition of these vulnerable people demands ongoing attention and a renewed commitment to ensuring that their civil liberties are not undermined. It is imperative to reiterate the importance of protecting and promoting the human rights of internally displaced persons in all countries.
It is crucial to address the current challenges faced by internally displaced persons and explore viable solutions to ensure their civil rights are honored. The international community must unite in a concerted effort to address this issue and safeguard the fundamental rights of those in situations of forced displacement.
Promoting the dignity, safety, and well-being of internally displaced persons is a moral duty that must be addressed promptly. Only through a comprehensive and collaborative approach can current obstacles be overcome and a more equitable and secure future be ensured for those who have been internally displaced.