Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
As delivered by Ms. Kelly Billingsley, Deputy Permanent Representative, U.S. Delegation to the HRC
Human Rights Council 53rd Session
Thank you, Mr. Vice President, and thank you, Madam Special Rapporteur.
The United States is alarmed that the number of internally displaced persons worldwide has reached the highest figure ever recorded.
Last year alone, the number of persons displaced by conflict and violence nearly doubled, due to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. So far this year, we have seen nearly 1.4 million new displacements within Sudan.
Extreme weather events, from record floods in Asia to persistent drought in the Horn of Africa, continue to devastate people’s lives and livelihoods, forcing them to flee their homes.
We commend the UN for seeking solutions for IDPs through the Special Rapporteur’s efforts and the Secretary General’s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement.
We appreciate the Special Rapporteur’s focus on generalised violence and climate change, two important issues that compound the vulnerability of IDPs.
States must redouble their commitment to the Guiding Principles to prevent displacement and to protect and assist IDPs. We must also meaningfully involve members of displaced populations in seeking solutions.
The United States urges continued dialogue to assess solutions and challenges for IDPs.
How can OHCHR strengthen its role in and contributions to the Action Agenda to promote respect for the human rights of IDPs?
I thank you.
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