Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are among the world's most vulnerable,
distinct from international refugees as they remain within their own country's
borders, lacking the legal status and protection of the 1951 Geneva Convention. In
2023, 46.9 million IDPs were recorded, primarily due to natural disasters and
conflicts. Without conflict resolution and peace, this number will surge, leading to
prolonged reliance on temporary humanitarian aid and impeding national
recovery. The non-binding Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement serve as a
vital general guideline for states, affirming that IDPs remain the primary
responsibility of their own governments. These principles cover protection from
displacement, dignity and human rights during displacement, the state's obligation
to provide or accept humanitarian assistance, and the responsibility to facilitate
return and reintegration. However, implementing these principles faces significant
challenges, as evidenced by UNRWA's efforts for Palestinian internal refugees.
UNRWA struggles with chronic funding limitations due to fluctuating voluntary
contributions (the U.S. cessation of funds in 2018). Furthermore, operational
setbacks from the Gaza Strip invasion have severely damaged infrastructure and
restricted vital aid access. These dual challenges critically endanger Palestinian
IDPs. This research concludes that providing paramount protection for Palestinian
IDPs extends beyond daily needs to encompass a dignified standard of living.
Therefore, consistent funding for UNRWA and enhanced binding power for the
implementation of The Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement are essential.