GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN SITUATIONS OF INTERNAL DISPLACEMENT: REALITIES FACED BY WOMEN WITHIN THE IDP CAMPS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Human right violation and conflict across the world has resulted in the displacement of many. Individuals in various countries are evacuated from their homes and displaced in their own countries as a result of conflict. The IDPs are part of the broader civilian population that needs protection and assistance because of conflict and human rights abuses. This paper examines the fact that internally displaced women in particular face a range of protection issues on a daily basis greater than other affected populations. Often without the protection of family and communities they had before displacement, they are vulnerable to gender-based violence and others violent situations. International law sets out the rights of every individual and the responsibility of States and other authorities to ensure the protection of these rights and that of IDPs within the state. The research emphasised that the existing laws notwithstanding, internally displaced women remain within the borders of their own country and are still greatly anguished by unique set of challenges they are saddled with. The article suggested the need for the IDPs to be encouraged to take part in projects that affect them. The methodology used was the doctrinal study of the key subject of this research, and reliance was also placed on policy documents and other international instruments relevant to the research topic.