The London Declaration of International Law Principles on Internally Displaced Persons: its significance and implications

In: Journal of refugee studies, Band 14, Heft 1

Abstract

At its 69 th Conference held in London in July 2000, attended by over 750 international lawyers from over 63 countries, the International Law Association approved by consensus the Declaration of International Law Principles on Internally Displaced Persons. The Declaration builds upon emerging authority to protect and assist internally displaced persons (IDPs), including the 'Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement', developed by the Representative of the Secretary-General on Internally Displaced Persons. It is clear that the relationship between refugee law and the legal status of IDPs set forth in this Declaration should be systematically analysed, and any legal gaps bridged. Asks how the IDPs' protection and assistance can be financed expeditiously and systematically. Reproduces the preamble and the 18 articles of the Declaration. (Quotes from original text)