Who is considered an Internally Displaced Person (IDP)?

An Internally Displaced Person (IDP) refers specifically to an individual who has been forced to leave their home but remains within the borders of their own country. This situation often arises from armed conflict, situations of generalized violence, human rights violations, or natural disasters. By remaining in their own nation, IDPs still face significant challenges, including loss of shelter, access to services, and safety, much like refugees who have crossed international borders.

The other choices pertain to different categories of displaced persons. Refugees are defined as individuals who have crossed an international boundary due to fear of persecution or harm, thus making them distinct from IDPs. Those seeking asylum are typically individuals who are asserting their need for international protection in another country, differentiating their situation from that of IDPs who do not leave their country. Voluntary migrants seeking better opportunities are not displaced by conflict or disaster but choose to relocate for self-improvement, making their situation fundamentally different as well.