25 million IDPs:
a global challenge

Dear Friend,

You are invited to a lunch meeting in Geneva on Thursday 10 April 2003 to address the question: "What global challenges lie ahead in defending the rights of internally displaced people?" Hosted and chaired by the Norwegian Refugee Council and the Permanent Mission of Norway in Geneva, the event marks 10 years of achievements by Dr. Francis Deng, the Representative to the UN Secretary General on Internally Displaced Persons.

Dr. Deng will commence proceedings with an overview of the global crisis of internal displacement and the activities of his mandate, and suggest next steps for ensuring a more effective and comprehensive response. This will be followed by a panel discussion and an open debate on the challenges ahead.

The panelists are: Kenzo Oshima, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator; Sumedha Ekanayake, Representative of the Government of Sri Lanka; Gustavo Gallón, director of the Colombian Commission of Jurists; and Manisha Thomas, representative of the International Council of Voluntary Organisations (ICVA). The event is open to all persons concerned with IDP rights, including representatives from NGOs, UN agencies and governments, and other interested parties.

The event will take place at the United Nations Palais des Nations in Geneva, in Conference Room XXII, on Thursday 10 April 2003 from 13.00 to 15.00, during the 59th UN Commission on Human Rights. UN accreditation is required for entry. Sandwiches and refreshments will be provided.

We look forward to seeing you

Norwegian Refugee Council
The Global IDP Project
http://www.idpproject.org
Tel: +41 (0)22 799 0703

Permanent Mission of Norway
Geneva
Tel +41-(0)22 918 04 00