Protection of Victims of Internal Displacement in Nigeria: A Review of the Kampala Convention

Abstract

All over the world, millions of people are forced out from their area of primary residence owing to factors either beyond their control or threatening their safety and survival and that of their loved ones. Each year, there are increasing cases of displacement which trigger mass movement of individuals from one part of their country to the other but not beyond the recognized international border. Displacement makes victims vulnerable and also results in other issues like criminality, forced pregnancy, overcrowding, over stretched facilities in trust communities, insecurity, dearth of basic needs of the victims like food, water supply, poor medication and inadequate shelter or housing. Displacement occurs round the globe. The incidences of displacement in Nigeria has been linked to factors like armed conflict between state actors and some non-state arm bearing groups like the Boko Haram Militias in the North, the Islam Society of West African Provinces ISWAP and other groups that have perpetrated acts forcing many out of their homes. Notably among the groups is the Fulani herdsmen who attack and kill farmers and innocent citizens and take over their communities. The cases of natural disaster, human rights violations, generalized violence and indeed government and manmade displacements are also on the increase. At the level of states, and at the regional level and international fora, efforts have been made to address the issue of displacement with a view to protecting the victims. Regrettably, in Nigeria no single legislation has been put in place to advance the rights of IDPs in Nigeria. However, at the regional level, the Kampala convention adopted by the member states of the African Union is a convention that has influenced the consciousness for protection of IDPs globally. This paper is aimed at reviewing the provisions of the convention, to examine the extent of protection afforded to IDPs. The paper found out that bold provisions were made by the convention for the protection and promotion of welfare and assistance of IDPs in African. It is recommended that the procedure for enforcement of the provisions towards protection of IDPs under the convention has to be strengthened to ensure that states are adequately under obligation to carry out the provisions of the convention and observe them in their states. It is concluded that the convention is a veritable instrument for protection and promotion of assistance and welfare of IDPs in Africa including Nigeria if domesticated.