Africa Plans Landmark Convention on Internal Refugees - July 7, 2009 By Emma Batha Reuters AlertNet June 26, 200 "African countries are set to adopt a ground-breaking convention providing rights to millions of ... internally displaced people ('IDPs') [ -- ] people forced to flee their homes because of conflict[, who remain] uprooted within their own country. Unlike refugees - people who have fled to another country - IDPs benefit from little or no protection. "The convention, the brainchild of the African Union, will for the first time provide them with similar rights to refugees, according to a draft seen by AlertNet. [ ... ] "The African Union, which groups 53 countries, expects the convention to be adopted at a special summit on refugees and IDPs opening in the Ugandan capital Kampala on Oct. 19[, 2009]. [ ... ] "What the draft convention says: "Very broadly, the convention would oblige states to prevent displacement in the first place, to protect IDPs during displacement and to provide durable solutions. "The convention obliges states to prevent displacement in conflict 'unless the security of the civilians or imperative military reasons so demand'. "It bans the use of displacement as a method of warfare or for collective punishment. "Signatories are required to protect IDPs' human rights and prevent war crimes, arbitrary killing, summary execution, arbitrary detention, abduction, torture, rape, slavery and the recruitment of child soldiers. "They must investigate and punish acts of arbitrary displacement that amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity. "Signatories bear primary responsibility for providing humanitarian assistance. "Where they do not have the means to provide adequate assistance they must seek the help of international organisations and humanitarian agencies. "They must facilitate rapid access by aid organisations, and they must respect the neutrality and independence of humanitarian workers. "Signatories should not force people to return to areas they have fled, but allow them to decide whether to return, integrate locally or relocate. "They must establish a legal framework to provide compensation where appropriate for damage and losses incurred as a result of displacement. "They must ensure IDPs are issued with relevant documents needed to exercise their rights, such as passports, birth and marriage certificates." To read the full article, click on the Title Line, above.