The politics of IDP data

Abstract

Data on conflict-induced internal displacement is inherently political, sensitive, and contentious. The last 20 years have seen vast improvements in the availability and quality of these data as countries have increasingly embraced their responsibility to protect IDPs. States and other actors, however, continue to have powerful incentives to manipulate or suppress data in favour of a preferred narrative. Current efforts to develop greater methodological guidance and conceptual clarity for IDP statistics can significantly contribute to reducing the opportunity for political manipulation. This article argues that these initiatives, however, need to move beyond the purely technical and recognise that improvements in data will ultimately depend largely on continued efforts, through advocacy and diplomacy, to influence the political will of the states who ultimately are responsible for collecting this information.