Rethinking the Legal Regime on Displacement of Persons Due to Terrorism and Communal Conflict in Nigeria

Abstract

Millions of persons have been displaced due to terrorism and communal clashes in Nigeria. Victims of displacement and communal clashes are forced to leave their places of habitual residence for safety in nearby villages, towns, schools, mosques, and uncompleted buildings. Despite the challenges bedeviling internally displaced persons, there is no recognized legislative framework on protecting persons who have been displaced due to communal conflict and terrorism. This study examined the concept of displacement, terrorism, and communal conflict; it analyzed the legislative framework on the assistance and protection of human rights of terrorism and communal conflict victims. The research methodology adopted in this study is the doctrinal research method. This study relied on primary and secondary data sources such as judicial decisions, statutes, textbooks, articles in journals, periodicals, and conference proceedings. This research revealed that there is no distinct and adequate legislation on the human rights protection of victims of communal conflict and terrorism in Nigeria. However, this study suggested the enactment of laws specifically on displacement arising from communal conflict and terrorism and other related matters.