What’s the Difference Between a Displaced Person and a Refugee?

The International Catholic Migration Commission Advocates for the Rights of Both

The terms are sometimes used interchangeably but there are two important distinctions between displaced persons, also known as Internally Displaced Persons or IDPs, and refugees. Both groups have been forced to flee their homelands. But refugees must cross an international border to escape the conflict, violence, or persecution facing them if they stay. Once relocated they might never return home due to their race, religion or political views. IDPs often leave their homes in response to epidemics or natural disasters to shelter somewhere within their own country. Their intention is always to return once it’s safe to do so. 

Another difference is in how they are treated. International law provides some protection for refugees, the most important of which is non-refoulement. This grants them protection in the country where they’ve sought asylum. Non-refoulement also means a government can’t force them to go home.  

There are many more IDPs than refugees, but they don’t share the same protections under international law. Governments are legally bound to assist refugees, whereas any rights granted to displaced people are non-binding. IDPs must depend completely upon the country in which they are displaced for help and protection. Most lack the resources to relocate to another country.

The overwhelming majority of internally displaced persons are women and children, who are extremely vulnerable to physical attack, sexual violence and kidnapping. Sometimes they aren’t granted adequate food, shelter or medical help. Unsurprisingly, internally displaced persons have a significantly higher mortality rate compared to the general population. 

The International Catholic Migration Commission advocates for the rights of all uprooted people, including internally displaced people, refugees, asylum-seekers, victims of human trafficking, and migrants regardless of faith, race, ethnicity or nationality. Our efforts include a child safeguarding policy, monetary assistance, building awareness, and championing the causes of these often unseen people deprived of basic rights. We need your help to achieve our goals. Visit our website and learn how you can help end this humanitarian crisis.