Commission, stakeholders brainstorm to protect the rights of IDPs

Concerns over the plights of the Internally Displaced Persons across the North Eastern part of the country has remained in the hearts of Nigerians as well as stakeholders. Despite efforts made by the federal and state governments to ensure that the displaced persons get back to their homes or camps safely and comfortably, lots have […]

Concerns over the plights of the Internally Displaced Persons across the North Eastern part of the country has remained in the hearts of Nigerians as well as stakeholders.
Despite efforts made by the federal and state governments to ensure that the displaced persons get back to their homes or camps safely and comfortably, lots have not been achieved as the camps are not in proper and habitable conditions according to stakeholders.
Recently, National Human Rights Commission in conjunction with the National Emergency Management Agency hosted stakeholders representing the National Assembly, United Nations, State Emergency Management Agencies amongst others to a meeting in Abuja to take decisions in protecting the rights of displaced persons in the North-Eastern part of the country.
Speaking at the meeting, Chairman, House committee on Refugees, Sani Zoro expressed disappointment  over the  government’s ‘sluggish’ attitude to the issues of the IDPS.
He said most of the IDP camps visited so far show that the welfare and security of the displaced people were not adequately taken care off hence he described it as “unacceptable.”
Zoro noted that the IDPs should not be forced back to their homes or camps if every infrastructure was not properly put in place as it was against their rights insisting that they have equal rights to reside wherever they were until they get comfortable homes to return to.
According to him, the issue of IDPs was the second most important issues before world leaders hence there was the need to create ministries and agencies to cater and protect the rights of displaced persons in any country.
Zoro wondered what the executive arm of government discussed at the Federal Executive Councils meeting since they have not updated the policy on IDPS which had been delibrated upon since 2009.
Since the Nigerian Army were the force used in liberating the areas captured by the terrorists, he advised that they should be involved in the reconstruction of the infrastructures in the zone.
“Since these attacks are still going on, I don’t see the Army leaving those zones anytime soon. Since they will be there for a long time, there is the need involve them in the reconstruction because they will build, protect and maintain but if it is given to the Foreign companies,  they will build, transfer and abandon,” he said.
Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof Bem Angwe decried that an increasing number of states have neglected the welfare and rehabilitation of IDPs residing in the various states but he insist that the commission will not take it lightly with those states because “the IDPs have a right to a comfortable life.”
Disappointed that most state governments rely on the federal government to address the challenges of the displaced persons, he advised state governments to take up their responsibilities and cater for the returning displaced persons.
He said the commission will ensure accountability and protection of the rights of the displaced persons then however, come up with decisions to guide the federal and state government on ways to cater for them.
He expressed fear that the nation’s future was at stake if the little children and youths who were driven out from their homes by terrorist were not properly catered for or given proper education and jobs.
Chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights, Edward Pwajok said the plights of the IDPs was a concern to the legislature hence every effort is been put in place to ensure that the National Budget is passed and funds released to take care of their needs.
He described as ‘unfortunate’ the frequent attacks by terrorist which has led to the increasing number of displaced persons saying the legislative arms of government was keen on having the displaced persons go back to their villages safely and comfortably.
Representing the Director General, National Emergency Management Agency ( NEMA ), Mohammed Sani-Sidi  Director of Rehabilitation of the Agency, Aliyu Sambo said the agency was going to work with all developing partners to meet up with the needs of the IDPs also calling on the government at all levels to use their resources to assist the displaced persons.
Representing the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, Alehune Abebbe said the solution to the plight of the IDPs was not to get them back to their villages but get them to be comfortable wherever they found themselves as it was their right to live a good life.
“We should know what they want and how to help them. They have the right to education, good health and good life generally,” he insisted.
Chairman of the FCT Durumi IDP camp, Chakule Lawan said it was not the wish of the displaced people to be in any camp in the FCT as they would love to go back to their villages and continue with their lives but “if we see good facilities in our camps such as good securities and good shelter, we will go back. It is not all of us that want to go back, some still want to remain here.”