THE PROTECTION OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN NIGERIA: CHILDREN

Abstract

Children are displaced from time to time and their lives endangered. Internal displacement refers to the voluntary or forced movement, evacuation or relocation of persons or groups within internally recognized State borders. This study examines the protection and promotion of the rights of internally displaced children in Nigeria. It briefly shows the direct correlation between internal conflict and internally displaced persons, with particular reference to children. The research considers the ills of displacement and goes further to examine the legal and institutional framework regulating the discourse pointing out its defects. This study finds that though these laws exist, their promotion and enforcement is lacking in ensuring that internally displaced children are protected at all times. The study finds further amongst others that internally displaced children suffer more in the form of abuse and violence, as their childhood and development are hampered by the impacts of factors and forces such as children soldering, denial of educational, denial of access to health facilities and shelter, abuse of their rights in the form of sexual exploitation, abduction and kidnapping. This research recommends that there is an urgent need to formulate and implement national IDP policies to enhance the protection and assistance of internally displaced children through systematic, comprehensive and coordinated approaches.This research concludes by suggesting certain solution that if properly implemented will no doubt help curb the internal displacement of children.

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urn:uuid:2b5b4452-c1bb-4622-8cd8-643ff282a4e3