On February 28, 2019, a federally contracted housing authority unlawfully seized my Housing Choice Voucher — a voucher I had held in good standing for nineteen years — by refusing to release proof of its existence and by withholding the required Request for Tenancy Approval form that prospective landlords needed to sign. This deliberate obstruction prevented me from relocating out of Minnesota, where I have been under attack, and has resulted in 1,775 days of illegal, forced homelessness. During this time, while pursuing medical treatment out of state, I endured every form of violence imaginable. This single act is directly responsible for my current situation.
Internally Displaced Person (IDP) – Persecution-Based Displacement
An Internally Displaced Person (IDP) is someone who has been forced to flee their home or habitual residence due to threats of violence, persecution, or serious human rights violations, but has not crossed an international border. In the case of persecution-based displacement, the individual is often targeted because of their identity, beliefs, advocacy, whistleblowing, disability, political opinions, or other protected characteristics.
Unlike refugees, IDPs remain within their own country and therefore do not fall under the protection of international refugee law. However, they are entitled to protection and humanitarian assistance under national and international human rights laws.
Persecution-based internal displacement may involve:
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Threats to life, safety, or dignity by state or non-state actors
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Harassment, surveillance, or retaliation for whistleblowing or activism
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Denial of housing, healthcare, or basic services as a form of punishment or control
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Forced eviction, blacklisting, or placement in unsafe or degrading living conditions
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Loss of documentation or civil status to prevent movement or legal protection
Because they remain within national borders, IDPs experiencing persecution often face barriers to justice and are left in prolonged vulnerability without access to relocation, legal remedy, or institutional support.
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