A/HRC/32/35
88.
Of increasing use in the field is the International Organization for Migration
displacement tracking matrix, a tool for tracking and monitoring displacement and
identifying locations where internally displaced persons settle. In addition, the REACH
initiative was created in 2010 by the non-governmental organizations IMPACT and
ACTED and the Operational Satellite Applications Programme of the United Nations
Institute for Training and Research to facilitate the development of information tools and
products that enhance the humanitarian community’s decision-making and planning
capacity.26 REACH promotes better understanding of crisis-affected communities within
settlements by collecting data in a systematic and comprehensive way, helping to provide
the information required for designing, planning and evaluating aid- and evidence-based
humanitarian action.
89.
Importantly, local non-governmental organizations and volunteer organizations
consistently demonstrate their value and importance in local support to internally displaced
persons and often involve members of affected communities with strong ties to and
knowledge of them. Policymakers should support, enhance the capacity of and work closely
with such organizations to help them better understand and address the needs of internally
displaced persons and displacement-affected communities, and to ensure that the views and
wishes of those persons are heard and respected in decision making bodies.
IV. Conclusions and recommendations
90.
The overall picture of internal displacement globally in 2016 is alarming, with
unprecedented numbers of internally displaced persons, ongoing and protracted
situations in which progress towards durable solutions has stalled and massive new
displacement crises that threaten to further deteriorate. The picture is in fact more
dramatic than that presented by existing statistics, since these do not include causes of
displacement, such as development projects and business activities and generalized
and criminal violence. The situation constitutes a global crisis requiring bold,
innovative and concerted action at all levels, from the local to the international levels,
as well as new and enhanced partnerships and collaborations.
91.
The United Nations and the international community must demonstrate their
commitment to addressing internal displacement effectively. Enhancing the mandate
of the Special Rapporteur to a Special Representative of the Secretary–General, with
appropriate staff and resources to effectively address internal displacement within
and outside the United Nations and in dialogue with Member States and all relevant
stakeholders, would be a valuable step in that regard.
92.
New approaches are required by the international community in collaboration
with national Governments. However, the international system is already
overstretched by the number of complex, large-scale internal displacement crises.
With finite resources, the primary responsibility of national Governments to address
internal displacement must be recalled, allowing international humanitarian and
development partners to focus their efforts where they are needed most.
93.
Raising awareness of neglected internal displacement situations in which
internally displaced persons are unprotected and lack assistance, including
displacement caused by generalized violence, discrimination and discriminatory
policies, and development, should be a high priority of national Government and the
international community.
26
See www.reach-initiative.org/reach/about-reach.
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