Terms of Reference
NGO Reference Group on IDPs

March 2002

During the NGO-UNHCR Pre-EXCOM Consultations in 2000, several NGOs decided that there was a need to create a reference group on IDPs that would focus on the work of the UN's Senior Inter-Agency Network on IDPs.

The NGO Reference Group on IDPs has provided an informal forum for NGOs from all three umbrella groups (ICVA, InterAction, SCHR) to discuss their role and involvement in the work of the Senior Network on Internal Displacement. The Reference Group's deliberations may inform the work of the NGO consortia.

A new Internal Displacement Unit (IDP Unit) has been created within the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and has been operational as of 1 January 2002. As a result, it is proposed that the focus of the Reference Group could, accordingly, shift its focus to follow the work of the IDP Unit, as well as the Senior Network (should it continue to exist). Formal communications and reporting on the work of the Unit will continue through the regular IASC Working Group channels, as will the input of the three NGO consortia to the Unit.

The NGO Reference Group would continue to work primarily through e-mail communications. Participation in the Reference Group is open to NGOs working to alleviate the plight of IDPs and who have an interest in institutional and protection issues. ICVA and its member focal point on IDPs, the Norwegian Refugee Council, will continue its role of facilitating the work of the Reference Group. The Reference Group will not replace existing structures or reporting mechanisms that exist whether between three

It would carry out the following tasks:

• Monitor the work and output of the IDP Unit;
• Suggest countries, populations, and advocacy stances for the Unit's consideration and attention;
• Organise and facilitate the involvement of NGOs in any field-based activities, such as country missions, training activities, etc;
• Monitor the evaluation of the Unit, which is to take place one year after the Unit's creation;
• Engage with other actors in the UN and humanitarian system to work towards an improved response and better protection of IDPs; and
• Discuss the future direction of work of the NGO Reference Group, for example looking at how to mobilise NGOs in terms of IDP protection and assistance, especially in situations not being reviewed by the Unit.

(Any NGOs interested in being added to the e-mail list should send an e-mail to secretariat@icva.ch requesting to be added to the IDP mailing list.)