Monitoring & Advocacy

The IDMC monitors all situations of conflict-induced internal displacement and advocates for respect of the rights of IDPs.

Through the IDP database as well as country reports and other publications, the IDMC raises awareness of the plight of IDPs, points to gaps in the response of governments and the international community, and promotes durable solutions in line with the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement. Fact-finding missions serve to collect first-hand information, establish new information channels and enhance cooperation with local and national actors, including civil society organisations.

The IDMC’s Monitoring and Advocacy Department regularly updates the 50-odd Internal Displacement Profiles included in the IDP database. Each Profile is normally updated every four, six or 12 months, depending on the type of displacement situation. The IDMC’s analysis of the respective displacement situation is summarised in an Overview that forms part of each Profile update. Fact-finding missions normally result in more in-depth Country Reports which also include policy recommendations. All updates and reports are sent, at times accompanied by press releases to hundreds of decision-makers in governments, international organisations and NGOs, as well as to humanitarian workers, the academic community and the media.

Every year, the Centre publishes a global overview of major trends and developments in the field of internal displacement. This overview also includes regional summaries as well as sections covering thematic issues related to internal displacement.

In selected countries, the IDMC also monitors the implementation by national governments of the recommendations made by the UN Representative on IDPs following his country visits.

Through its weekly IDP News Alert, the Centre keeps the humanitarian community and other subscribers updated on ongoing IDP-related developments at the global and national levels.

Reports and profiles published by the IDMC have been covered by major international media, including the BBC, Reuters, Associated Press, Agence France Press, IRIN, and Radio Free Europe, as well as by national news organisations.

For more information, please contact Clare Spurrell, Head of Department, clare.spurrell@nrc.ch, Tel: +41 22 795 07 47.