Training & Protection

The IDMC has developed a training programme to support all relevant actors in their efforts to improve the protection and assistance provided to IDPs. Training is used to promote the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement, which has become the reference document with regard to the protection of IDPs, since its presentation to the United Nations Human Rights Commission in 1998. The IDMC seeks to raise awareness of the needs and rights of victims of displacement among all actors concerned, in particular in countries affected by internal displacement. It also aims at strengthening the capacity of these actors to contribute to the enforcement of IDPs’ rights, by providing training on how to make the Guiding Principles operational and improve the protection of IDPs concretely.

Target groups

IDMC training targets all institutions, agencies, and other stakeholders which should contribute to the protection of IDPs. In line with the “collaborative response” policy, which envisages joint efforts by international organisations, NGOs and national authorities to respond to the needs of IDPs on the basis of their respective mandates and expertise, the IDMC reaches out to all relevant actors and facilitates a dialogue between them. Training support has been provided to governmental institutions mandated with the protection of IDPs, such as humanitarian coordination bodies, provincial officials, national human rights commissions, as well as donor agencies. The IDMC has also been formally asked by the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator to provide training to staff members of UN Country Team agencies where relevant. Any training project also involves international and local NGOs, as well as representatives of displaced communities.

Training activities

The IDMC training is based on a series of modules developed in 1998 with support of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and revised in 2005. The modules review all main aspects related to the protection of IDPs, such as the definition of IDPs, the origin and legal background of the Guiding Principles, protection from and during displacement, standards and practices for durable solutions, and gender aspects of displacement. The modules can be delivered in two-and-a-half- to three-day workshops; they are based on participatory methodology and involve case studies and exercises. The outcome of the workshops is recorded in reports, comprising a summary of the discussions held among the participants, and final recommendations. Previous training reports can be accessed from the scroll-down menu on this page.

Contact

The IDMC develops training projects in situations where conditions for follow-up are met, to ensure that workshops can have an impact and contribute to an improved response to the protection needs of IDPs. The IDMC works with field-based partners to identify training needs, invite relevant participants, and follow up on recommendations adopted during workshops. For more information on IDMC training activities, please send an email to christophe.beau@nrc.ch

For more information on training, visit the Training section.