Displacement history should be examined based on the reasons for and time since the initial forced displacement took place, and the types of movements (forced or voluntary) that have taken place since. This must not be confused with achievement of durable solutions, as an IDP may have returned to her/his place of origin, yet continue to face displacement-related vulnerabilities; or have successfully sustainably integrated elsewhere even if return to the place of origin is not possible.

The displacement and migration history indicators can inform the identification of displacement. This approach can be used instead of, or in addition to self-identification. The indicators that will be used for IDP identification (such as the location of habituation residence as well as the time and reasons for moving away) need to be collected at the individual level. The remaining indicators on push and pull factors for the moves since the displacement can be collected at either individual or household level.