Conflict Affected communities

• Women and War
• Children and War
• Refugees and Internally Displaced People
• Countries of focus
• The Human Impact

Refugees and Internally Displaced People

Armed conflict often means civilians are on the move, both within a country and across international borders. In most cases, these people have had to leave behind all but a few of their worldly possessions. They are obliged to travel long distances, often on foot, to seek safe refuge away from the fighting. In the confusion, children lose contact with their parents, while elderly relatives are often too weak to travel and are left behind to fend for themselves.

When people are displaced within their country's borders as a result of armed conflict, they form part of the affected civilian population. Given the precarious situation faced by many internally displaced people, they form a large percentage of the beneficiaries of ICRC activities. Where the national authorities are unable or unwilling to help, the ICRC steps in to provide for the most urgent needs of displaced people.

It is often violations of international humanitarian law that cause displacement in the first place. International humanitarian law protects internally displaced people. In addition to its operational work on behalf of displaced persons, the ICRC works to promote respect for humanitarian law to prevent displacements.

Click here for more information on refugees, internally displaced persons and International Humanitarian Law from the ICRC.

Posted February 1, 2008