Instrument Type Date Scope / Notes Key Provisions AU State Parties order.' No safe thirdcountry requirement. UN Guiding UN nonPrinciples on binding IDPs framework 1998 Global IDP framework. IDP definition; rights to safety, humanitarian assistance, return, and restitution. Principle 28+: States' duty to protect IDPs. Referenced by Kampala Convention and national policies; not legally binding but authoritative . AU Kampala Convention (IDPs) 2009 (in force 2012) Africaspecific IDP convention. Obligations: prevent arbitrary displacement; protect IDP rights; assist returnees; remedy harms. Arts 11–12: resolve IDP land/housing/propert y disputes. Ratified by ~30 AU states; the only binding continental IDP instrument. 1954 Internationa 1954 Statelessnes l treaty s Convention Defines stateless persons; basic rights. A stateless person is 'not considered as a national by any State.' Provides for travel documents and legal status. Only ~10 African states party — major gaps. 1961 Internationa 1961 Statelessnes l treaty s Convention Preventing Ban on depriving ~10 African statelessness nationality, signatories. . especially from birth; jus soli safeguards for children. AU Draft AU treaty Protocol on (not yet in Statelessnes force) s 2024 (agreed) Will be unique statelessness instrument in Africa. ECOWAS Protocols (Freedom of Movement) 1979/1985/201 West African 7 free movement. AU treaty Regional agreement Entitles every child to nationality; prohibits gender/ethnic discrimination; mandates SDPs and reform. Signed by AU Assembly (Feb 2024) — awaiting ratification. Visas abolished within ECOWAS; residence permits on arrival. All ECOWAS members.