Terrorism and protection of the rights of internally displaced children in Nigeria: a legal appraisal

Abstract

Terrorism is the calculated use of violence or threat to inculcate fear, to coerce or to intimidate government or society in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious or ideological. The issue of terrorism is topical because of its negative impact on the polity. The aim of this work is to examine the effects of terrorism on internally displaced children. The work x-rayed the legal framework that provides for protection of internally displaced children in Nigeria. The study examined factors that exacerbate terrorism and made adequate recommendations for protection of displaced children. The study is analytical and comparative in scope and revealed that, rights of internally displaced children are violated in every sphere, despite numerous legal frame work made for their protection. This challenge has made Nigeria fall abysmally below international best practices when compared with other jurisdictions. Accordingly, the study advocates for review of extant laws such as, Terrorism (Prevention)(Amendment) Act 2013, Child’s Right Act 2003, 1999 Constitution. Further, the study recommends that holistic measures should be taken by both the government and humanitarian partners for adequate protection of internally displaced children in Nigeria.