AN EXAMINATION OF THE RIGHTS OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN SITUATIONS OF NATURAL DISASTERS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This research examines the rights of internally displaced persons in situations of natural disasters in Nigeria. The objectives of the study are to unravel the challenges faced by IDPs in Nigeria, and the legal regime available for the protection of IDPs as a result of natural disasters in Nigeria. The study adopts the doctrinal methodology and adopts primary and secondary sources of data such as statutes, case laws, books, journals, articles and internet sources. The study finds that IDPs have faced serious problems due to these natural disasters, especially flooding which occurred in 2012, 2018, and 2020. Apparently, these IDPs face various challenges such as lack of access to food, water and shelter, lack of access to health, education, lack of access to adequate protection and security, lack of access to justice, sexual based violence, psychological and psychosocial plights, inadequacy of relief materials, inability to return to their previous place of residence, absence of effective government humanitarian law and policy framework in Nigeria, increased abuse of human rights. The study observes that the Nigerian Constitution, National Policy on IDPs in Nigeria, NEMA Act, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement and the Kampala Convention provide general protection to IDPs. However, this research finds that lack of coordination and resource allocation, awareness and enforcement challenges, and data and monitoring challenges, served as challenges. The research therefore recommends that the government should improve early warning systems to alert communities of impending natural disasters, particularly floods. The government should improve data collection and monitoring mechanisms to better understand the needs of IDPs and track progress in meeting those needs. This can help ensure that interventions are targeted and effective.

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urn:uuid:912a313e-11a5-4d69-a808-98622617225b