Internal refugees in the Congo, for example, are fleeing a multiplicity of armies from five countries, as well as an even larger number of rebel movements. The support the international community provides to such people is woefully, horribly inadequate. Nongovernmental organizations and the Red Cross do get some assistance to such refugees, but they cannot handle the situation alone. Victims fall through the cracks. This suggestion has been criticized by some in the international community as unfair to other agencies, but no one should be defensive when it comes to taking action.
Criticism ought to be welcomed if it stimulates reform.
Designate a lead agency for each internal refugee situation that arises and clearly define that agency's responsibilities. Have all U.N. humanitarian agencies designate a single point of contact on internal refugees. Keep better track of these emergencies. Unfortunately, some humanitarian and development agencies still don't seem to see that as part of their mandate. Do more to support the efforts of Francis Deng, the secretary general's special representative on internal refugees, who has played a seminal and visionary advocacy role.