Maintaining The Rights of Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria.

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Our internally displaced people have a right to their dignity. A right to good shelter, health and, education.

We see with increasing frequency, hundreds of distressed Nigerians packed in camps across the northern part of the country. A common thread that links them all is the lack of basic living amenities like clinics or dispensaries, constant running water, proper sanitation, well-planned relief distribution channel.

The most irksome sight is the fight our displaced people engage in when trying to grab the handouts from government or aid agencies. Many are severely hurt in the process. Some weak ones give up altogether. I wonder; can there not be a proper and organised way of giving out food, clothing, etc? Can we not dignify our displaced citizens by setting up multiple conventional collection stands in these camps where they queue for rations? Can we insist on shorter queues and faster service? Can we have more areas for children, the aged and their needs? Can we have trained government personnel and volunteers working in these camps day and night to organise, monitor and assist the ever-present Red Cross organisation?

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Our displaced people are suffering from malnutrition and open to a variety of diseases and illnesses. Needless to mention the mental trauma of having to flee their homes and all things familiar. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recommends that each refugee or displaced person receive more than 2,100 calories per day, but often camps fall short of this standard.

What consistent help is being given? Government ought to move from the point of irregular visits to these camps, to setting up world-class temporary shelters where our displaced people can have regular access to good meals, basic amenities to reduce the spread of diseases.

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Life in these camps can be made to be productive. The children can have regular lessons according to school grades. Adults can be taught various productive skills for life outside the camp.

We all - government, military, media, civil societies - ought to work to see that our people live and are treated like dignified citizens while in camp. We must also work to see that they are quickly resettled in their communities and have respite from the physical and psychological effects of 'war'.

- K.C. Okenwa