Suchergebnisse

From the late 1990s the number of internally displaced persons has increased by 17 million -- to over 27 million today. So far, no legal instrument on the international level dealt directly with internal displacement. Since internally displaced persons remain within the borders of their own country, this seems hardly surprising. However, in October 2009, African States adopted a continent-wide convention that addresses the issue. Accordingly, the region hardest hit by internal displacement possesses the first instrument specifically dealing with the problem. This article illustrates causes & consequences of internal displacement in Africa. It explains how the international community approached this phenomenon & finally discusses some aspects of the new convention. While the convention does contain provisions of particular relevance for internally displaced persons, the chances that it will lead to significant changes seem slim. Adapted from the source document.