Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC)

The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) is the world’s leading source of data and analysis on internal displacement, providing a comprehensive overview of people forced to flee their homes within their own countries due to conflict, violence, disasters, and other crises. Established in 1998 as part of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), IDMC offers rigorous, independent, and trusted data services to the international community, informing policies and operations aimed at improving the lives of internally displaced people (IDPs) and mitigating future displacement risks.

Mission and Objectives

Mission: To provide accurate data and analysis on internal displacement globally, support evidence-based decision-making, and contribute to the improvement of policies and responses to the needs of IDPs.

Objectives:

• Data Collection and Analysis: Monitor, collect, and analyze data on internal displacement caused by conflict, violence, disasters, and other factors.
• Informing Policy and Action: Provide policymakers, humanitarian organizations, and governments with actionable insights and information to design effective responses to internal displacement.
• Promoting Awareness and Advocacy: Raise awareness of internal displacement issues worldwide, advocating for stronger protection, support, and sustainable solutions for IDPs.

Key Areas of Work

IDMC works across various areas related to internal displacement, providing both quantitative and qualitative data, and conducting analysis to support efforts in reducing and managing displacement globally:

1. Conflict and Violence-Induced Displacement

IDMC tracks and reports on displacement caused by armed conflicts, political violence, and social unrest. The organization provides data on new and protracted displacement situations, highlighting patterns, trends, and challenges faced by those who are forced to leave their homes due to violence.

2. Disaster-Induced Displacement

Natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, storms, and droughts are significant drivers of internal displacement. IDMC’s data and analysis help to understand the impact of these events on communities, assisting governments and agencies in developing disaster risk reduction strategies and disaster response plans to minimize displacement.

3. Cross-Cutting Themes: Development, Urbanization, and Climate Change

IDMC examines how factors such as climate change, urban development, and environmental degradation contribute to displacement risks. The organization conducts research on how these factors interact with existing vulnerabilities and amplify displacement challenges, providing insights for prevention and risk reduction.

4. Data and Monitoring Tools

IDMC provides user-friendly data and tools to monitor internal displacement. These include:

• Global Displacement Database: An open-access platform with data on displacement trends, figures, and causes across the world.
• Country Profiles: Detailed reports on internal displacement situations in specific countries, including analysis of underlying causes, challenges, and response mechanisms.
• The Global Report on Internal Displacement (GRID): An annual report that provides an in-depth analysis of global trends in internal displacement and highlights new developments and emerging issues.

Impact and Influence

IDMC plays a crucial role in informing the international community about internal displacement. The organization’s data is widely used by policymakers, humanitarian organizations, researchers, and governments to understand the dynamics of displacement, design targeted interventions, and develop sustainable solutions for IDPs. The 2023 IDMC report revealed that over 75.9 million people were living in internal displacement, underscoring the importance of addressing both the immediate needs and long-term solutions for IDPs.

Partnerships and Collaborations

As part of its mission, IDMC collaborates with a wide range of partners, including the United Nations, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), governments, academic institutions, and local civil society organizations. These partnerships enhance the quality and reach of IDMC’s work, allowing for better data collection, analysis, and advocacy.

Connect with IDMC

For more information about internal displacement trends, access data, or learn about opportunities for collaboration, connect with IDMC through their digital platforms:

• Official Website: Access data on displacement, reports, and resources on various countries and themes.
• Wikipedia: Background information and history of IDMC.
• Prevention Web: Information on IDMC’s role in disaster risk reduction and management.
• Humanitarian Data Exchange (HDX): Open access to IDMC’s data on internal displacement trends and statistics.

FAQs

1. What is the purpose of IDMC?
IDMC aims to provide accurate and comprehensive data on internal displacement caused by conflict, violence, disasters, and other crises. The center’s work is focused on informing policies and operational decisions that improve the lives of internally displaced persons and support the development of sustainable solutions.

2. What type of data does IDMC provide?
IDMC provides data on global internal displacement trends, including figures related to conflict-induced and disaster-induced displacement. They also analyze cross-cutting factors like climate change, urbanization, and development that impact displacement.

3. How is IDMC connected to the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)?
IDMC was established in 1998 as part of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), an independent humanitarian organization. While IDMC operates as an independent monitoring center, it maintains a close relationship with NRC and supports the organization’s work on displacement issues.

4. How can I access IDMC’s data and reports?
IDMC’s data, country profiles, and annual reports are publicly accessible through their official website. Users can access tools to explore global trends, search for data by country or region, and download reports for analysis.

5. How does IDMC contribute to policymaking and advocacy?
IDMC’s data and analysis inform the international community’s understanding of internal displacement, providing evidence for policies, advocacy efforts, and programmatic responses. Their insights support the development of better strategies to protect, assist, and find durable solutions for IDPs.