Reference Group on Protracted Internal Displacement DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION AND FINALIZATION Terms of Reference August 2016 1. Background/Scope of Work Background to Responding to Displacement and Enhancing Protection Outcomes The IASC Working Group (WG) agreed to forming a Reference Group on Protracted Displacements during the development of its 2016-2017 Strategic Priorities. The Reference Group will assist the IASC achieve its objectives related to the priority on Responding to Displacement and Enhancing Protection Outcomes. The WG Sponsor(s) of the Reference Group – UNDP and UNHCR – will provide the overall guidance for the achievement of objectives related to this priority. The Reference Group on Protracted Displacement is charged with supporting ‘the implementation of the IASC Framework on Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in protracted displacement’ under the Outcome ‘Enhance protection of the most vulnerable groups in emergencies.’ As the IASC is primarily about humanitarian action, the focus of the Reference Group will be on what humanitarians should do differently while operating in protracted displacement situations, so as to avoid protracted humanitarian responses and to advance solutions where possible. Given the critical role that development actors play in implementing or launching medium and longer-term interventions that can reduce dependence on humanitarian assistance and support return to self-reliance, the Group will also look into the evolving roles of development actors in protracted displacement, so as to better articulate a clear division of labour for effective and sound collaboration. The IASC Framework on Durable Solutions endorsed in 2009 remains the key reference point for the work of the Reference Group; The focus will be on supporting concrete action on IDPs and internal displacement in the context of conflict and natural disasters, while recognizing inter-linkages with situations of high level of violence and the effects of climate change. Particular attention to the issue of ‘invisibility’ of IDPs in urban and rural contexts and the specific needs of marginalised groups, such as women, youth, children, the elderly, but including also religious and ethnic minorities and others with a higher risk of being displaced or of not finding durable solutions; Noting that every situation has the potential to become protracted if sustainable solutions are not available and sought from the beginning of an emergency, tt is suggested to use the plain English meaning of ‘protracted’, rather than getting lost in definitions that will not serve practical value;
Participation in the Reference Group will be open to interested humanitarian organisations, bringing together NGOs, UN, IOM, the World Bank, the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, and other international organisations together on an equal footing. Participants are expected to actively contribute to the work of the Reference Group and take on responsibilities to advance the Reference Group’s work. Participants represent their organisations and, where applicable, ensure that their WG or EDG representatives or Principals are regularly briefed on the Reference Group’s work and progress. Experts, donors, and/or governments may be invited as observers to provide technical input or to discuss certain relevant issues, when needed. Operational NGOs are encouraged to participate actively. Considering the focus on internal displacement, there is an important role to play by the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of IDPs as a potential ‘champion’ of the work of the Reference Group. Meeting schedule, frequency and decision-making Meetings will be held at least quarterly and as frequently as needed. Decisions will be taken by consensus and silence of participants will be interpreted as approval of proposals and documents. Meetings will be held in Geneva and a phone bridge will be opened to facilitate remote participation. Funding and Resources The Reference Group will draw on pooled resources and funding that may become available from and participants. The Reference Group may develop resource mobilization proposals as required and agreed by co-chairs and participants but as the scope of work is at present limited, it is expected that additional resources will not be needed at this time. 3. Reporting Accountability The 84th IASC Working Group in March 2013 agreed that Task Teams and Reference Groups are to be “accountable to the Working Group.” In order to support Task Teams, (an) IASC Working Group Sponsor(s) will work closely with the Task Team to meet its objectives and ensure links with the IASC Working Group. The Task Team (Co-) Chairs and WG Sponsor are responsible for ensuring their Task Team’s accountability to the WG. The Reference Group might be asked to update the Working Group on its work. The Sponsor will seek relevant synergies between Task Teams and Reference Groups under the Working Group priorities. This Reference Group falls under the Working Group priority III. *NB: The role of (a) WG Sponsor(s) is clarified in the Annex. * Reporting to the WG