UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

53^rd session

Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons

4 July 2023

EU Intervention

Madame Special Rapporteur,

I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

We would like to extend our warm welcome to you and thank you for your commitment and expertise in addressing the challenges faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) around the world.

Today, we are confronted with an unprecedented series of intertwined crises, ranging from climate change to conflict, violence and human rights violations, which have resulted in the forcible displacement of more than 100 million people worldwide, with more than 70 million internally displaced.

As this year marks the 25^th anniversary of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement, the European Union reaffirms its commitment to the protection of the rights and dignity of IDPs in accordance with these principles, and we call on all UN Member States to adhere and properly implement them.

The EU would also like to express its strong support for the implementation of the UN Secretary-General’s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement.

The preliminary thematic priorities that you have identified for your tenure are highly important topics. In particular, the issue of integration and reintegration of IDPs is an important aspect of displacement, including the psychological impact displacement has on IDPs, which has received little attention to date.

Madame Special Rapporteur,

The EU and its Member States would like to express their gratitude for your service to advancing the rights of IDPs and their determination to support your work.

We would like to ask you what measures you propose to enhance international cooperation and coordination among Member States to provide timely and comprehensive responses to internal displacement crises and to ensure the protection and assistance of IDPs?