Attachments
Advocacy Messaging to Parties to the Conflict
International humanitarian law prohibits the displacement of civilian populations for conflict-related reasons unless for the “security of the civilians involved or imperative military reasons” (Article 17 on “Prohibition of Forced Movement of Civilians” of the 1977 Additional Protocol II of the Geneva Convention).
Where the forced movement of civilian populations is not justifiable by the exceptions noted above, it is considered unlawful. In such circumstances, the UN, its agencies and other humanitarian actors are precluded from being involved in assisting with the relocation of civilians.
International humanitarian law requires that the authorities allow and facilitate impartial, rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need, subject to their control, and that the freedom of movement of authorized humanitarian relief personnel is essential to the exercise of their functions (this may be temporarily restricted for reasons of imperative military necessity).
International humanitarian law requires that all possible measures shall be taken in order that civilians subject to relocation may be received under satisfactory conditions of shelter, hygiene, health, safety and nutrition.