This Handbook for the Protection of Internally Displaced Persons represents one of the principal tools of the Global Protection Cluster, and is based on extensive contributions from a wide range of protection actors from all sides of the spectrum. The provisional release of this Handbook in 2008 was warmly received by humanitarian, human rights and development actors in a large number of countries facing the challenge of internal displacement. Donor countries have also commended this effort to produce a practical tool that reflects the current guidance, standards and thinking in the area of IDP protection.

The effectiveness of any tool is, of course, judged by the frequency of its use by practitioners in the field. We hope that the current version of the Handbook fulfils its purpose as a major source of guidance for the protection of the internally displaced and that it serves to enhance their protection, irrespective of their location or the causes of their displacement. Following an initial roll out and field testing exercise, the Handbook now benefits from the experience and input of some 107 organizations and entities in 18 countries. It is a living document and will continue to be updated in order to reflect the continuous evolution of policy and thinking in this domain.