DOMESTICATION OF THE KAMPALA CONVENTION: ANALYSING THE GAPS IN THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE PROTECTION OF IDPs IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Simply put, internal displacement is a state of affairs where people are forced to leave their original settlement as a result of natural or man-made factors. One of the major problems the world is facing in this century is how to control the triggers for displacement and forced migration. There are alarming statistics showing the magnitude of the problem. The demographic characteristics of these populations indicate high number of women and children. Although there are global efforts to contain the phenomenon of displacement and forced migration, the problem seems to defy the solutions. The focus of this paper is to examine the problem of internal displacement in Nigeria; identify the existing legal framework relevant to the protection of internally displaced persons; to assess whether these norms adequately cover the displaced persons’ needs for protection and assistance and to suggest the potency of the Kampala Convention as a possible solution. The methodology employed to achieve the above set of objectives is a desk top review of the existing laws and policies for the protection of internally displaced persons both at the national and international levels. The findings in this paper revealed that internal displacement and forced migration has taken a centre stage in the global arena and is directly affecting global political, social, environmental and economic dynamics. In Africa particularly, the problem has engendered dire consequences for many countries as a result of persistent internal conflicts. This paper recommends that the Kampala convention has provided enhanced protection and assistance for IDPs and Nigeria should domesticate and operationalise the Convention in order to secure a solid prevention and protection framework for the huge number of displaced persons in IDP camps scattered all over the country.