Handbook for Applying the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement

The Handbook for Applying the Guiding Principles on Internal
Displacement was reviewed by UN agencies and NGOs at a meeting
at the UN in April 1999. It was decided that the UN would publish
and disseminate it together with the Manual on Field Practice in
Internal Displacement. The two volumes complement one another
and together provide a sound basis for undertaking protection and
assistance activities on behalf of internally displaced persons.
It is my hope that this Handbook will be widely used by field staff
working with internally displaced populations. It can raise awareness
to the needs of the internally displaced, measure conditions on the
ground, train staff in working with the displaced, and promote
compliance by governments and nonstate actors with the provisions
of the Guiding Principles. It also can help displaced communities
better understand their rights and the responsibilities of governments
and non-state actors toward them..." Francis M. Deng
Representative of the Secretary-General
on Internally Displaced Persons.