 Around the world, responses to internal displacement are gradually shifting in seemingly small ways that could significantly impact how we will address the issue in the years to come. Actors working on the forefront of displacement crises have come together to compile best practices from over 15 countries, which we can learn from to improve the lives of internally displaced people. Here are some lessons we have learned. We must think of internally displaced persons, not only as people with protection and assistance needs, but as citizens and residents with rights like you and me, who have been forced to leave their homes. They are people whose rights must be restored and protected and whose participation in decisions affecting them must be guaranteed. Citizens have primary responsibility to protect their displaced citizens and national laws and policies can provide some of the best protection for internally displaced people when they are designed to safeguard their rights and protect them during all stages of displacement. We need a collective response to internal displacement led by governments working together with humanitarian and development partners, international financial institutions and the private sector. This should be supported by flexible multi-year and early financing. Acting early saves lives, reduces suffering and minimizes costs. Participation is key. We must ensure our displaced, displaced affected communities and people at risk of displacement have opportunities to meaningfully engage in the decisions that really affect them. Data are a key ingredient for building political will and finding durable solutions to internal displacement. Data can be a powerful vector of change when gathered collectively under the leadership of government and with direct participation from displaced people themselves. Displacement is often the consequence of systemic inequalities and exclusions. Displacement must be rooted in protecting rights, fighting discrimination and ensuring equitable access to livelihoods and social protection. Particularly when displacement is protracted, we must prioritize sustainable development solutions that focus on restoring inclusive social contracts. Data is a powerful tool for identifying IDP-specific needs and for prioritizing the actions needed to support them. International actors can support states in building up national data systems on internal displacement and in improving reporting and accountability on this issue. Joint action by humanitarian development and peace-building actors in analysis, planning and implementation is critical to protect IDPs and to facilitate durable solutions to internal displacement. Prevamp, protect, dissolve.