The Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement were presented to the Commission on Human Rights in 1998 by the then Representative to the UN Secretary-General on internally displaced persons, Francis Deng. In September 2005, the heads of state and governments assembled at the World Summit in New York recognized the Guiding Principles as "an important international framework for the protection of internally displaced persons." (G.A. Res. 60/L.1, ¶132, U.N. Doc. A/60/L.1)

The Guiding Principles are based on international humanitarian and human rights law and analogous refugee law. They are intended to serve as an international standard to guide governments, international organizations and all other relevant actors in providing assistance and protection to IDPs.

The Principles identify the rights and guarantees relevant to the protection of the internally displaced in all phases of displacement. They provide protection against arbitrary displacement, offer a basis for protection and assistance during displacement, and set out guarantees for safe return, resettlement and reintegration. Although they do not constitute a binding instrument, the Principles reflect and are consistent with international law.

The Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement have been translated into over 40 languages. The English language edition is the original language in which the Principles were drafted and is the authoritative version for reference.