IMPACT OF UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSION FOR REFUGEE (UNHCR) ON INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) IN NORTHEASTERN NIGERIA, 2009-2023

Abstract

The deadly activities of the Boko Haram insurgency have contributed immensely to the challenges via the high rate of influx of persons into IDPs camps. Boko Haram insurgency since its inception in 2009 has been a serious threat to the security, peace, IDPs camps, and stability of the Nigerian government. The deadly attacks and activities of the group have affected all facets of human endeavor in Nigeria, especially in the north east geo-political zone, leading to loss of lives, properties and displacement of persons in the area. The paper, therefore, examined the impact of United Nations High Commission for Refugee (UNHCR) on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in northeastern Nigeria, 2009-2023. In doing this, state fragility theory was adopted for the purpose of this paper while primary method like questionnaire and interview and secondary method like the use of books and journals were used to gathered data which indicates that the roles of the UNHCR in the assistance of the IDPs in Northeastern Nigeria include providing emergency shelters, camp coordination and camp management. Furthermore, UNHCR has involved in providing protection to the IDPs in the affected areas. Nevertheless, the study also found that UNHCR mandate does not cover IDPs. Therefore, UNHCR operates in IDP situations without legal basis, although there is Guiding Principles, which are a non-binding instrument. Thus, lack of jurisdiction constraint the UNHCR’s operation in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States. Thus, the paper recommended among others that the UNHCR needs to be fully funded to effectively engage in IDPs situations. Additionally, there should be a corresponding increase of budgetary allocation to meet the ever-increasing needs of the internally displaced persons. Government should try as much as possible to support the UNHCR and intervene by providing more relief materials to the unofficial IDP camps as well and consistently keep track of new displacements in order to know exactly how many IDPs live in a given area.