ACHIEVING THE RIGHT TO DURABLE SOLUTIONS FOR INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPs) IN NIGERIA: AN APPRAISAL

Abstract

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) comprise the largest group of displaced persons around the world today. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has stated that the number of IDPs in Nigeria has risen to 8.18 million, making the country the highest in West Africa. Using the doctrinal method, this article analysed the right to durable solutions for IDPs which is a crucial aspect of protecting their human rights. It examined the right to durable solutions as contained in the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement, the African Union Convention on the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons, the IASC Framework on Durable Solutions and the Nigeria National Policy on Internally Displaced Persons and found that the right was firmly established under the law. The paper identified some challenges to achieving the right to durable solutions as insecurity; loss of landed property and houses; disruption of livelihoods; inadequate delivery of services and lack of political will. It recommended that the problem of insecurity in Nigeria should be dealt with decisively to enable IDPs attain durable solutions; and that an IDP specific law should be enacted which will enable IDPs to reclaim lost land, houses and property amongst others.