IDP is the short name for internally displaced person or internally displaced people. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are those who have fled violence, armed conflict, human rights violations, human-made or natural disasters, but have not crossed an internationally recognized border and stay within their own country.
IDPs are similar to refugees in that they are both forced to leave their homes due to circumstances beyond their control. However, refugees cross international borders and seek security in another country, whereas internally displaced persons remain within their own country of residence.
As they are not covered by international refugee law, IDPs often have limited legal protection. Internally displaced persons remain legally under the protection of their government, even if that government is the reason for their forced displacement. IDPs are among the most vulnerable people in the world.