LEGAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Abstract

This work reviews the activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in northern Nigeria, a region plagued with insurgencies, armed conflicts, and other forms of internal disturbances. The ICRC has the key role of protecting the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and violence and providing them with assistance. The organisation also works to promote and ensure the faithful application of international humanitarian law, as well as serve as a neutral intermediary between parties to armed conflicts. Beyond these general functions of the ICRC, there are specific activities the organisation carries out in northern Nigeria. The study used a doctrinal method of research to examine these activities, employing textbooks, internet materials, periodicals, journals, and articles. The findings of the study show that the ICRC has played an extensive role in ameliorating the impacts of internal strife and armed conflicts on affected people in northern Nigeria. It further highlights the challenges faced by the ICRC in carrying out these activities and the institution’s way of overcoming them.