Report on Displaced Persons in Northeast Nigeria
By Genocide Watch
October 2023
Since 2009, the Northern Eastern of Nigeria's states Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi and Yobe continue to be affected. As of June 2023, the Displacement Tracking Matrix DTM identified a total of 2,295,534 IDPs in 471,346 households and 2,075,257 returnees in 341,895 homes. The IDP population included IDPs in camps and camp-like settings (921,201 individuals or 40%) and IDPs residing in host communities (1,374,333 individuals or 60%). The returnee population included IDP returnees (1,866,796 individuals or 90%).
There is a wide range of humanitarian crises faced by the IDPs: compromised living conditions ,food insecurities, no access to safe water sources, inadequate healthcare facilities and a disrupted education systemThe IDPs have lost their source of livelihood and economic opportunities. The relief web notes that about 16 million people grapple with the profound and unrelenting effects of a humanitarian and protection crisis with no clear sign of ending soon.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) released a detailed study last month; they note that more than 80 per cent of the IDPs in need are women and children, who also face "abductions, rape and abuse".The resultant displacement of communities has led to a disruption of countless children. Nearly 2 million children cannot access learning across all three states Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states BAY.
The grave violations against children have led to a dire economic downturn, affecting not just the conflicted region but the country as a whole. The indiscriminate attacks in BAY's local governance make it the most unstable place to be; there is a need for humanitarian intervention before things escalate. The ongoing conflict and insecurity in some areas make it difficult for IDPs to return to their homes and communities.
Genocide Watch’s Recommendations:
The UN Secretary-General /international community should recognize the terrorist insurgency that has caused an enormous crisis for the IDPs in the North East of Nigeria state of Borno.
The Nigerian government should commit to assisting IDPs in returning to their home communities and protecting their human security needs.
Humanitarian organizations and agencies, like the United Nations and various non-governmental organizations, must provide assistance to IDPs in Borno State ( food aid, healthcare, education, and protection services).
Mediation and Ombudsman Services: Should consider establishing mediation services or ombudsperson offices to provide impartial and neutral dispute resolution amongst the groups in conflict
Since 2009, the Northern Eastern of Nigeria's states Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi and Yobe continue to be affected. As of June 2023, the Displacement Tracking Matrix DTM identified a total of 2,295,534 IDPs in 471,346 households and 2,075,257 returnees in 341,895 homes. The IDP population included IDPs in camps and camp-like settings (921,201 individuals or 40%) and IDPs residing in host communities (1,374,333 individuals or 60%). The returnee population included IDP returnees (1,866,796 individuals or 90%).
There is a wide range of humanitarian crises faced by the IDPs: compromised living conditions ,food insecurities, no access to safe water sources, inadequate healthcare facilities and a disrupted education systemThe IDPs have lost their source of livelihood and economic opportunities. The relief web notes that about 16 million people grapple with the profound and unrelenting effects of a humanitarian and protection crisis with no clear sign of ending soon.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) released a detailed study last month; they note that more than 80 per cent of the IDPs in need are women and children, who also face "abductions, rape and abuse".The resultant displacement of communities has led to a disruption of countless children. Nearly 2 million children cannot access learning across all three states Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states BAY.
The grave violations against children have led to a dire economic downturn, affecting not just the conflicted region but the country as a whole. The indiscriminate attacks in BAY's local governance make it the most unstable place to be; there is a need for humanitarian intervention before things escalate. The ongoing conflict and insecurity in some areas make it difficult for IDPs to return to their homes and communities.
Genocide Watch’s Recommendations:
The UN Secretary-General /international community should recognize the terrorist insurgency that has caused an enormous crisis for the IDPs in the North East of Nigeria state of Borno.
The Nigerian government should commit to assisting IDPs in returning to their home communities and protecting their human security needs.
Humanitarian organizations and agencies, like the United Nations and various non-governmental organizations, must provide assistance to IDPs in Borno State ( food aid, healthcare, education, and protection services).
Mediation and Ombudsman Services: Should consider establishing mediation services or ombudsperson offices to provide impartial and neutral dispute resolution amongst the groups in conflict
The Human Rights Commission should ensure that there are legal protections in place for citizens' rights, including freedom of speech, assembly, and access to justice.
GENOCIDE WATCH is the founder and coordinator of the Alliance Against Genocide E-mail: president@genocidewatch.org Website: www.genocidewatch.com Tax exempt EIN: 26-1672589