ABSTRACT
The majority of today’s refugees and displaced persons have been uprooted by armed conflict, fleeing from war’s direct violence or from the disruption to their livelihoods that such violence brings. Many who flee from violence and persecution do not become refugees for the sole reason that they do not – and typically cannot – cross an international border. These internally displaced people face the same fears, deprivations and insecurity as refugees. In fact, the plight of those who are prevented from becoming refugees is often the most dangerous:
Refugees who flee across international borders may suffer terribly, but at least they are often safe. Those who do not live near such a border may be unable to escape. They are forced to stay in their own country and witness or experience torture and death. Clearly the international community should turn its attention to such abused populations, and try to afford them whatever assistance is possible. Their needs when they are able to reestablish their homes are just as acute as those who repatriate from abroad.
