ABSTRACT
Collection and analysis of data on internal displacement is currently undertaken according to the cause of displacement, categorised by conflict, disaster or development. This mirrors a long-acknowledged three-way divide characterised by limited exchanges between researchers, practitioners and policy-makers involved in each category. The key question considered here is: could mechanisms for monitoring the situation of people internally displaced by conflict provide lessons for monitoring the situation of those internally displaced by development projects? Bridging the research divide between conflict- and development-forced displacement can highlight mutually relevant approaches, benefiting specialists on both sides. Data on the situation of the displaced is vital for designing appropriate and effective laws and policies to address their needs and protect their rights. This chapter outlines the obligations of states to collect information on the displaced, the challenges of monitoring their situation, and notable examples from conflict and disaster displacement contexts.
