A/HRC/32/35 seek solutions within their countries, and internal displacement is a critical humanitarian issue in itself rather than the first stage in a migration journey. 46. The nexus between internally displaced persons and refugees has been particularly evident recently in the context of the conflicts in the Syrian Arab Republic and Iraq. They have been characterized by extreme violence and disregard for the lives and human rights of civilian populations, including by ISIL, and the failure of Governments to fulfil their protection and assistance commitments. Other protracted conflict situations, including in Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, South Sudan and the Sudan have resulted in similar situations of protracted displacement, which contributes to cross-border flight. 47. While in some crisis situations the threat to life is so grave that seeking asylum outside the country is the only safe option, much more must be done to protect and support internally displaced persons and give them viable options to achieve safety in their own countries where that is their desire. In protracted displacement situations, national and international attention to affected persons frequently wanes over time and personal resources may dwindle along with national and international assistance funding. Even in situations of relative physical safety, they may be trapped in a protracted limbo existence of basic shelter and aid dependency and will inevitably seek alternative options and consider crossing international borders. 48. The improved integration of humanitarian and development efforts at the onset of displacement is essential to building resilience and self-reliance, both of which are key elements leading to durable solutions within a rights-based and protection approach. New approaches to protracted displacement require that early recovery be integrated by both humanitarian and development actors. As stated in the Framework on Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons, early recovery is a multidimensional process that begins in a humanitarian setting. It is guided by development principles that seek to build on humanitarian programmes and catalyse sustainable development opportunities. It aims to generate self-sustaining, nationally owned, resilient processes for post-crisis recovery. It encompasses the restoration of basic services, livelihoods, shelter, governance, security and the rule of law, and environmental and social dimensions, including the reintegration of displaced populations. 49. There is scope to enhance and strengthen transitional solutions that are aimed at improving living standards and livelihoods, while such measures must not be mistaken for durable solutions. In situations of protracted displacement in particular, greater attention and resources dedicated to transition and resilience-building measures have been demonstrated to provide income, self-reliance and dignity, a sense of stability and normality and a foundation upon which to progress towards durable solutions. This shift away from dependency can provide hope for the future with a view to providing selfempowerment and rebuilding the lives of internally displaced persons in their countries, and re-establishing livelihoods. 50. During his visit to the Syrian Arab Republic in May 2015, the Special Rapporteur witnessed initiatives to assist local integration and build resilience, early recovery and livelihoods for internally displaced persons and host communities. In total, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and local partners supported more than 100 livelihood-related projects that targeted the affected governorates as well as host communities, recognizing the heavy burden on them of hosting internally displaced persons. In 2014 and 2015, UNDP succeeded in reaching a total of 4.5 million affected persons who were directly or indirectly affected by the projects. 51. The projects included emergency employment, restoration and stabilization of disrupted livelihoods, emergency support to vulnerable groups, capacity development, advocacy and technical assistance. They included the restoration of small businesses, 12