Abstract:
MOTIVATION : There is scant information on support systems
for internally displaced persons in Nigeria, and none on internally
displaced women in the New Kuchingoro camp. This
limits the operations of aid agencies and other stakeholders,
preventing them from providing targeted assistance.
PURPOSE : First, it examined the support provided by two
government agencies: the National Commission for Refugees,
Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI)
and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Second, it investigated and examined the support given by
non-governmental organizations, religious organizations,
and philanthropists. Third, it analysed the challenges facing
these bodies, drew conclusions about the policy implications
of the situation in New Kuchingoro, and made recommendations
for changes that would improve the lives of internally
displaced women in the camp.
METHODS AND APPROACH : Using qualitative research methods, the study investigated and evaluated the various
support systems provided by NCFRMI and NEMA to
internally displaced women in the New Kuchingoro camp
in Abuja, along with some NGOs, religious groups, and
philanthropists.
FINDINGS : The study revealed the inadequacy of
co-ordination between government agencies and NGOs in
the provision of humanitarian assistance to the New Kuchingoro
camp. While these NGOs were willing to provide
humanitarian assistance to the women, the lack of administrative
support from NCFRMI and NEMA frustrated this
objective.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS : The government needs to clarify the
respective roles of NCFRMI and NEMA with regard to
IDPs and relationships with non-government aid providers,
ensure adequate funding for IDPs, stamp out corruption,
respect the humanitarian principles of impartiality and
neutrality, and ultimately address the underlying causes of
displacement.
