CSOs drum more action for IDPs in N/East

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) operating in the North East have called for more action by government and stakeholders to address the plight of Internally Displaced Person (IDPs) and their host communities in the sub-region. The CSOs made the appeal on Wednesday in Yola after a two-day conference on IDPs facilitated by the Norwegian Refugee Council […]

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) operating in the North East have called for more action by government and stakeholders to address the plight of Internally Displaced Person (IDPs) and their host communities in the sub-region.

The CSOs made the appeal on Wednesday in Yola after a two-day conference on IDPs facilitated by the Norwegian Refugee Council and UK Department for International Development (DfID).

The position of the CSOs from Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States was read by Mr Abdul-Aziz Mala, who urged for the domestication of Kampala Convention signed by Heads of States and Governments of member states of African Union as a major step in addressing the challenges faced by IDPs.

They also called on government to respect all relevant sections of the constitution and laws such as Child Right Act in fulfilling the rights of IDPs.

“We also call on all actors to raise awareness and educate IDPs on their rights and how to stand up for these rights. This education must start from the grassroots.”

The CSOs further called for restoration of social services and authorities in all recovered local government areas, pointing out that in some of those local government areas services were being rendered only by some international and national organisations.

While noting that there was lack of civil law to settle disputes in some local government areas, the CSOs urged government to increase the presence of the police, civil defence, courts and legal aid services in the LGAs across the affected states.

“FIDA, NBA, National Human Rights Commission should be strengthened.

“NAPTIP and institutions protecting against sexual assault and referral centres must be strengthened.

“Massive awareness campaign to make the general public and IDPs alike became aware of such institutions and relevant laws by all stakeholders should be carried out.”

They also urged for improved civilian, military coordination and increased time to time engagement between military, traditional and religious leaders.

Besides, they made case on local integration through increased focus on access to services and livelihood for both IDPs and host communities. (NAN)