The Sudanese Darfur Crisis and Internally Displaced Persons in International Law: The Least Protection for the Most Vulnerable

The article examines the international legal position of internallydisplaced persons (IDPs) in the wake of the ongoing humanitariancrisis in the Darfur region of western Sudan. The innocent civiliansof Darfur have become the primary target of an armed conflictin Sudan since 1983. The terrorised survivors fled their homesin search of safety, causing massive forced internal populationdisplacement. The number of IDPs in the world has steadily beenincreasing, and has now outstripped the number of refugees.Yet there is no specific international legal and institutionalapparatus for IDPs. This article highlights and addresses theproblems of their legal identity, rights, humanitarian assistance,and protection in international law. It traces the developmentof international legal and institutional frameworks for IDPsand their current state of coverage and protection. It offerssuggestions to overcome the inadequate legal coverage and uncertainprotection. The marginalised plight of IDPs needs to be addressedin a holistic manner as an integral part of the internationalprotection of human rights and the enforcement of humanitarianlaw.