Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are people who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict or persecution. Unlike refugees, they stay within the borders of their country. They might want to stay close to their homes, lack the resources or physical fitness for the perilous flight or are trapped in conflict areas with no way to escape. IDPs remain under the protection of their government, even if that government is the reason for their displacement.
According to the Global Report on Internal Displacement more than 55 million people were internally displaced at the end of 2020, 48 million as a result of conflict and 7 million due to disasters. 20 million internally displaced persons are children under the age of fifteen. In 2020 most internal displacements happened in East Asia and Pacific (30.3%), Sub-Saharan Africa (27.4%) and South Asia (23.8%). Internal displacement affects all regions of the world.
University of London is now offering a course on Internal Displacement, Conflict and Protection. The course is taught by Professor David Cantor, Professor of Refugee Protection and Forced Migration Studies and Dr Agnes Woolley, Lecturer in Transnational Literature and Migration Cultures. The course takes roughly 27 hours to complete and is self-paced.
In this course participants will learn about internal displacement from a global perspective. Participants of the course will explore global trends in internal displacement, examine the fundamentals of the global protection response for IDPs, and assess the experience of internal displacement through research and artistic sources. Learners who are interested may seek to continue studying the master’s program in Refugee Protection and Forced Migration Studies at University of London.
There are no requirements to enroll in the online course. Learners can audit the course for free or opt-in for a paid certificate for an extra fee. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
