U.S. Congratulates the African Union on the Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Africa

For Immediate Release                                            

December 6, 2012

MEDIA NOTE

The United States congratulates the African Union (AU) and its members on the Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Africa that entered into force today.  The AU’s decision to focus on IDPs highlights the commitment of this regional body to address this serious human rights issue. 

The AU is an important partner in addressing displacement, protection, and other humanitarian and development issues.  We look forward to continuing our work with the AU to advance our shared goals in this area.  An estimated 10 million Africans are displaced within their own countries by conflicts and human rights violations. 

The AU Convention represents the first commitment by a regional organization to develop a legal instrument aimed at protecting and assisting IDPs.  The Convention incorporates important elements from the 1998 United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement, defines IDPs, and asserts that States must enact domestic laws and create systems for assistance and protection of IDPs.

More information about the African Union and the Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Africa can be found at http://www.au.int/en/.