SERAP sues govt at ECOWAS Court over IDPs rights

The Socio-Economic Rights & Accountability Project (SERAP) has instituted a suit at ECOWAS Community Court in Abuja over the sufferings of Internally Displaced Persons(IDPs) across the country.

The suit delineated ECW/CCJ/APP/15/15 was filed by SERAP counsel, Mr Femi Falana (SAN) alleging “serious violations by the defendants of the human rights of IDPs.

Joined as respondent in the suit is the Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke(SAN)
The suit is challenging the alleged violation of displaced persons ‘rights to life, to health, to adequate housing, to personal integrity, to privacy, to fair trial, to freedom of movement and residence, to judicial guarantees, to private property and child rights guaranteed by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa; and Principles 1-30 of the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement.’

The group alleged that the response by the Nigerian government to the conditions of IDPs is inadequate, as illustrated by defendants’ closure of several displacement camps in central and northern areas of Nigeria.
The organisation stated that those living in camps are often left without enough food, essential household items or health facilities.

According to SERAP, the increased vulnerability of IDPs across Nigeria demands accountability and greater level of respect for the full and effective realization and enjoyment of IDPs rights in Nigeria.