A/HRC/38/39 that those at risk of displacement and those already displaced by development are protected in conformity with the Guiding Principles and other human rights law and standards. 21. Equally, the Guiding Principles state that internally displaced persons may be forced to flee their homes as a result of generalized violence and violations of human rights. In some settings, there has been a reluctance to recognize such situations, frequently characterized by dispersed individual or family displacements rather than mass movements. The Guiding Principles recognize such persons as internally displaced and provide an essential advocacy tool to encourage States to do the same. They have been instrumental in such countries as Honduras, where gang-related violence has displaced tens of thousands as a result of violence or the threat of violence, which has now been officially recognized. Further progress is required in numerous other countries to ensure recognition and the possibility for internally displaced persons to claim and enjoy their rights. 22. No country is immune from internal displacement and all can be affected by it, either directly or indirectly. The Special Rapporteur urges that internally displaced persons, who are frequently among the most vulnerable and marginalized and constitute over two thirds of the forcibly displaced globally, are not neglected. The nexus between internal displacement and cross-border movement is clear. Those who cross international borders as asylum seekers, frequently begin their perilous journeys as internally displaced persons, often fleeing conflict or violence. Too often they fail to find the protection, security, assistance, livelihoods or durable solutions in their countries of origin that would enable them to remain. 23. Consequently, it is imperative that internal displacement be understood, not only in terms of a particular challenge facing a few States afflicted by conflict, violence or disaster, or as an issue solely of the internal affairs of States, but as a regional and ultimately a global issue that has implications for many countries. If the issue is to be resolved and States helped to meet the challenge of reducing internal displacement, States affected by internal displacement must improve their responses, be open to assistance and engage constructively with those who are well placed to provide the necessary technical, policy and practical guidance. 24. The present report considers the necessary steps that should be taken by States, regional bodies, the international community and other stakeholders to achieve the maximum possible outcomes for the Guiding Principles in improving responses to displacement, protecting internally displaced persons and reducing internal displacement through the achievement of durable solutions. Experience of internal displacement 25. The Guiding Principles have helped to put internally displaced persons on humanitarian, development and human rights agendas, identifying them as among the most vulnerable persons globally. The Guiding Principles have clearly established that, having faced extraordinary circumstances, resulting in them having to flee their homes while remaining in their own countries, internally displaced persons constitute a special category of those who require assistance to rebuild their lives and regain their dignity. That sets them apart from other urban or rural poor and the Guiding Principles restate their rights in the context of the numerous additional challenges that they face as a result of internal displacement. They have helped to forge an understanding that internally displaced persons should be protected and receive assistance and durable solutions, not as charity but as their human right. 26. The Guiding Principles provide the basis for a human rights-based approach to internal displacement. That is essential to shifting the discourse from one of national sovereignty and internal policy to one of international human rights law obligations, for which States can and should be held accountable. Emphasizing that the treatment of internally displaced persons is rooted in the normative framework of human rights and humanitarian law is vitally important. It helps the United Nations and the international community to assist States, while also allowing them to be critical of States, where 7