UN rights expert to assess situation of IDPs in Nigeria

UN Special Rapporteur Chaloka Beyani will travel to Nigeria from Aug. 23 to 26 to examine the situation and human rights of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the country.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Lucky Musonda, Communication Specialist of the UN Development programme (UNDP) on Friday in Abuja.The statement quoted Beyani as lamenting over the huge humanitarian crisis in the country.

The challenges confronting Nigeria and its government are considerable and cannot be overstated.The North eastern part of the country has witnessed an unprecedented increase in violence and the escalation of attacks by Boko Haram since 2009.

The attacks have forced the displacement of more than two million people from their homes and triggered a humanitarian crisis,” Beyani said.The human rights expert said his visit would afford him the opportunity of getting information about the humanitarian situation in the country with a view to proffering sustainable solutions.

I will gather information on situations of internal displacement including both new and protracted displacement.I will also examine the legal, policy and institutional frameworks in place for prevention of displacement, protection and assistance for internally displaced persons, and recovery.”

The Special Rapporteur would, during his four-day visit in Abuja, consult with senior government officials as well as a wide range of other national and international partners.

This is with a view to examining the ongoing responses and challenges, and assisting them to meet their obligations towards the IDPs and to support durable solutions for them.

Beyani would also visit IDPs camps in the northeast and hear from the IDPs and representatives of host communities’ first-hand to learn about their needs, challenges and expectations.

At the end of his visit on Friday, Beyani will share his preliminary observations with the media at a press conference at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Musonda said.
He added that the Special Rapporteur would subsequently produce a comprehensive report and recommendations based on his visit for presentation to the Human Rights Council in June 2017.