Two important organizations in the protection of internally displaced persons in Mali: the ICRC and the UNHCR

Abstract

The armed conflict that erupted in Mali in 2012 led to the displacement of many people both within and beyond the country's borders. Most of these individuals live in deplorable living conditions, sometimes without shelter or food, and the context of poverty that has become widespread as the crisis progressed has not favored the Malian state's ability to protect its own citizens. However, the fact that the national state is unable to protect internally displaced persons does not mean that these individuals are not protected. The international community, international organizations, NGOs, etc. also have a responsibility to provide assistance to displaced persons. This study aims to demonstrate the role played by two institutions in the protection and assistance of internally displaced persons in Mali: an intergovernmental organization, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and an international non-governmental organization, the International Committee of the Red Cross. The ICRC has the primary responsibility to protect and assist victims of international and internal armed conflicts, while the UNHCR's mandate is primarily the protection of refugees.