Irfan, Anne; (2025) Internally Displaced Persons. In: Espiritu, Yen Le, (ed.) The Sage Encyclopedia of Refugee Studies. SAGE Publications, Inc.: San Diego, California, US.

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Abstract

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are forced migrants who have remained within the same country and not crossed an internationally recognized border. In this way, they are distinct from refugees, who have crossed at least one internationally recognized border during their flight. The distinction between refugees and IDPs has been formalized in the last century under the global refugee regime and as part of international refugee law. This entry will discuss both the legal framework and the political realities affecting IDPs around the world today. Issues surrounding internal displacement are especially pressing because the number of IDPs has increased significantly in the 21st century. Over the last two decades, the total number of people displaced internally has more than doubled. In 2022, the highest ever figure of IDPs was recorded: more than 71 million worldwide. With an average of 20 million people now displaced every year, significant numbers are living through protracted internal displacement and as such finding themselves excluded from official refugee figures.

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