Impact Of Internal Displacement And The Institutional Frameworks For Protection Of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) In Nigeria

Biewari Perepuighe, Legal Practitioner

Peter Itsueli (Ph.D), Lecturer, Delta State University, Oleh Campus, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The ugly trend of unlawful and incessant violation of Internally Displace Persons’ (IDPs) rights in IDP camps has become worrisome, necessitating the creation of viable and suitable institutions and agencies for IDPs rights’ protection. The aim of this research is to examine operational mechanisms of these institutions in an attempt to discover how well they have fared in protecting the IDPs entrusted to their care. In order to achieve this aim, doctrinal research method is utilized. Using this research method, the various institutions, agencies and bodies responsible for IDPs protection in Nigeria are analysed and evaluated. In the course of the research, it was discovered that these institutions are marred with loopholes which are traced to the statutes establishing them; a vivid example of this is seen in the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Act where the word ‘Internally Displaced Persons’ is omitted. It is also observed that the personnel of these institutions and agencies such as the Nigerian Army and the Police usually veer off their statutory responsibilities in this task; and some others constitute predators to the IDPs instead of protecting them. It is therefore suggested that the enabling laws and institutional frameworks be reviewed to close up the identified gaps. It is also recommended that the erring staff of the agencies be made to face the full weight of the law including disengagement from duty, prosecution and imprisonment where necessary.

Keywords: Internal Displacement, Institutional Frameworks, Insurgency, Security Agencies, Emergency Management.