Abstract
Internal displacement, especially of children, is a common consequence of armed conflict. Children who become internally displaced as a result of armed conflict face significant trauma due to their vulnerability, in addition to the fact that many of them lose their parents before being moved to internal displacement camps. Moreover, the conditions of some of these camps are not favorable and may affect children’s health and wellbeing. Internally displaced children therefore need protection and care by the national governments of affected countries, with support from the international community. However, Nigeria has not effectively protected children who have been displaced by virtue of the Boko Haram-induced armed conflict. This is due to several challenges, including an inadequate legal framework, lack of institutional coordination, insufficient financial resources, and lack of political will. This Article seeks to highlight these challenges, in addition to discussing the effects of internal displacement on children. It then proffers recommendations as to how internally displaced children could be effectively protected in Nigeria.
Recommended Citation
Olusegun, Olaitan O. Dr. (Mrs.) and Ogunfolu, Adedokun Dr.
(2019)
"Protecting Internally Displaced Children in Armed Conflicts: Nigeria in Focus,"
Notre Dame Journal of International & Comparative Law: Vol. 9:
Iss.
2, Article 4.
Available at:
https://scholarship.law.nd.edu/ndjicl/vol9/iss2/4