Nigeria: UN human rights expert condemns heinous attack
against IDP camp
GENEVA (16 September 2015) – United Nations human rights
expert Chaloka Beyani, today strongly condemned the heinous attack against a
camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Yola, north eastern Nigeria,
where some 32,000 IDPs have found refuge. Mr. Beyani expressed his dismay at
the targeting of the camp, the first attack of this kind since the escalation
of the crisis in northern Nigeria.
On 11 September, at least seven people were killed and 14
others injured, including 4 officials from the National Emergency Management
Agency, after the Malkohi IDP camp in Yola, Adamawa State, was the target of a
suicide bombing.
“IDPs are amongst the most vulnerable persons and according
to international human rights and humanitarian law they must be protected
against any direct and indiscriminate attacks or other acts of violence against
them or their camps or settlements,” the Special Rapporteur on the human rights
of internally displaced persons stated.
No party has so far claimed responsibility for the bombing;
however, the UN expert stressed that those responsible must be held accountable
and brought to justice. While appreciating the Government’s condemnation of the
attack, he called for increased security measures where necessary to ensure the
protection and human rights of IDPs.
In light of the screening of IDPs by security agencies, Mr.
Beyani cautioned that “any security measures must not infringe on IDPs’ human
rights, including their freedom of movement and family unity. The vast majority
of IDPs are innocent victims and their camps must retain their civilian
character.”
The expert also expressed his concern about recent attacks
against IDP returnees in the State of Taraba. Over 2.1 million persons have
been forced to flee their homes in north eastern Nigeria since the
intensification of Boko Haram’s violent insurgency and the declaration of the
State of Emergency in May 2013.
“Food insecurity has been worsening combined with the lack
of education, safe drinking water and health services,” Mr. Beyani warned,
calling for an increase in humanitarian assistance to IDPs and communities
hosting them in Northern Nigeria.
“Humanitarian organizations are doing the best they can
under very difficult circumstances, but funding shortfalls and insecurity are
preventing organizations to reach all those in need.”
The Special Rapporteur reminded all parties of their
obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law and
standards, including the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement* and
the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally
Displaced Persons in Africa (Kampala Convention).
(*) Check the UN Guiding Principles on Internal
Displacement:
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/IDPersons/Pages/Standards.aspx
ENDS
Mr. Chaloka Beyani, professor of international law at the
London School of Economics, was appointed Special Rapporteur on the Human
Rights of Internally Displaced Persons by the Human Rights Council in September
2010. Learn more, visit: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/IDPersons/Pages/IDPersonsIndex.aspx
The Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the
Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest
body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name
of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that
address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of
the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not
UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from
any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.
UN Human Rights, country page – Nigeria:
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Countries/AfricaRegion/Pages/NGIndex.aspx
For further information and media inquiries, please contact
Graham Fox (+41 22 917 9640 / gfox@ohchr.org) or write to idp@ohchr.org
For media inquiries related to other UN independent experts:
Xabier Celaya – Media Unit (+ 41 22 917 9383 /
xcelaya@ohchr.org)
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