The Kampala Convention for the Protection of the Displaced in Africa

Unlike refugees IDPs have not crossed international borders to seek asylum in another country. They have remained in their country. Even if they have fled for reasons similar to those of refugees (armed conflict generalized violence human rights violations) IDPs remain legally under the protection of their own government which may itself be the cause of their flight. As citizens IDPs retain all their rights including the right to protection under human rights and international humanitarian law. The Kampala Convention on the Protection of Internally Displaced Persons was a remarkable step forward for the African continent where conflicts weather-related accidents and economic strategies have led to increased displacement in recent years.