A/HRC/8/6 page 20 displacement problems is inextricably linked to the search for durable peace. The study also suggests a number of practical strategies: including internally displaced persons in peace processes; taking their specific needs into account when drafting peace agreements; ensuring that they can play an active part in building peace. This report was extensively discussed at workshops organized in Geneva, New York and Washington. 79. During 2008, the Representative plans to prepare a handbook for mediators, in cooperation with the United Nations Mediation Support Unit and the Brookings-Bern project, highlighting the key principles relating to internal displacement which need to be taken into consideration in peace agreements. 80. The Brookings-Bern project has also prepared a short study on the advisability of drafting a set of principles and a handbook for governments, non-governmental organizations and other humanitarian personnel on whether, when and how to involve internally displaced persons in the decision-making process, using the techniques of information-sharing, consultation and participation. A workshop attended by representatives of governments, United Nations agencies and bodies and non-governmental organizations involved in protection and assistance for internally displaced persons was organized on this issue. After consultations with these partners, the principles and handbook will be finalized, published and distributed widely in countries facing internal displacement issues. III. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 81. The Representative acknowledges and welcomes the efforts which have led to greater recognition of the reality of the phenomenon of internal displacement and to progress in the development of the normative framework and the coordination of the response to these questions. However, he wishes to point out that millions of people are still displaced, living in serious distress, and that they have specific needs for assistance and protection by virtue of their displaced status. The Representative points out to governments that, as the Guiding Principles state, they have the primary duty and responsibility to provide protection and assistance to displaced persons at all stages of displacement: as part of efforts to prevent displacement, during displacement itself and as part of the quest for durable solutions. 82. On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Guiding Principles, the Representative welcomes the fact that these principles are widely accepted at the global, regional and national levels. In this context, the Representative wishes to make the following recommendations to governments and regional organizations: (a) They should develop national legislation and policies which are in keeping with the Guiding Principles and ensure that they are implemented; (b) They should bring existing legislation into line with the Guiding Principles; (c) They should develop regional legal instruments based on the Guiding Principles and ensure that they are implemented. 83. The Representative is seriously concerned at the difficulties - sometimes systematic in nature - encountered by humanitarian personnel in gaining access to displaced persons. He