Overview

The document is the National Policy on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, endorsed by President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON. The policy is promulgated under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, led by Honourable Minister Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq. It addresses the challenges of internal displacement caused by conflicts, natural disasters, and other factors, aiming to provide a comprehensive framework for the protection, assistance, and sustainable solutions for IDPs. The policy is structured into six chapters. Chapter One provides a contextual background and situation analysis, defining key terms such as internally displaced persons, durable solutions, and humanitarian assistance. It outlines the legal and institutional gaps that necessitated the policy and sets the stage for a rights-based approach. Chapter Two details the policy thrust, including its vision, mission, goal, and objectives. The vision is to ensure that IDPs enjoy their fundamental rights and achieve durable solutions. The mission is to establish a coordinated, multi-sectoral response to prevent displacement, protect IDPs, and facilitate their return, local integration, or resettlement. The guiding principles include respect for human rights, non-discrimination, participation, and accountability. Chapter Three elaborates on the rights and obligations of IDPs, covering rights to life, dignity, security, freedom of movement, property, and access to basic services such as education, health, and livelihoods. It also outlines the obligations of IDPs to respect the laws of Nigeria and host communities. Chapter Four specifies the responsibilities of government, humanitarian agencies, host communities, and armed groups. The government has primary responsibility to protect and assist IDPs; humanitarian agencies must adhere to principles of humanity, neutrality, and impartiality; host communities have rights and obligations to support IDPs; security agencies must protect IDPs from violence. Chapter Five presents the policy implementation framework, including strategies for conflict prevention, disaster risk reduction, and durable solutions. It institutionalizes a coordination mechanism involving a National IDP Commission and multi-stakeholder collaboration, and outlines international cooperation frameworks. Chapter Six covers funding, monitoring, evaluation, and policy review mechanisms, emphasizing sustainable resource mobilization and periodic assessment to ensure effectiveness. The policy is grounded in international law, including the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement and African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons (Kampala Convention), as well as Nigerian constitutional provisions. It represents a binding commitment to address the root causes of displacement and uphold the rights of those affected.

Download