Arguably the least discussed root cause of internal displacement, harmful practices are a prevalent concern in many African societies. The explicit mention of harmful practices is one of the many innovations of the Kampala Convention and reinforce its forward-looking, context-specific focus on Africa. This article argues that the convention has an absolute prohibition of harmful practices. This is an important starting point from which to discuss the content of states’ obligation to set measures for preventing harmful practices. However, in the event that displacement occurs due to these practices, it is important that protection, humanitarian assistance and durable solutions are provided. This article argues that states must set measures for ensuring that non-state actors are held accountable in the event that they orchestrate harmful practices. In fostering compliance, this article argues that there is an important role for institutions beyond the state, particularly those emphasized under article 14 of the convention.

可以说，内部流离失所问题是讨论得最少的根本原因，在许多非洲社会中，有害做法已成为普遍关注的问题。明确提到有害做法是《坎帕拉公约》的众多创新之一，并加强了其对非洲的前瞻性和针对具体情况的关注。本文认为，该公约绝对禁止有害做法。这是讨论国家制定预防有害行为措施义务的内容的重要起点。但是，如果由于这些做法而导致流离失所，则必须提供保护，人道主义援助和持久解决办法，这一点很重要。本文认为，国家必须制定措施，确保非国家行为者精心策划有害行为时要承担责任。