EXTANT LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORKS FOR THE PROTECTION OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) IN ARMED CONFLICTS: CLOSING THE IMPLEMENTATION GAP

Abstract

The debilitating avalanche of inhuman conditions persons of internal displacement (IDPs) have been subjected to necessitated the promulgation of instruments and putting in place institutions to curb the menace. This is underscored by the fact that the breeding ground for internal displacement is armed conflicts, which could be international or non-international in nature. This paper therefore examines the extant legal and institutional frameworks, in ensuring the protection of internally displaced persons and regulating armed conflict, with a view to limiting the impact on the non-combatants, but only geared towards attaining military objectives by the warring parties, which could be between states, or between a State or Non-state Armed Groups (NSAGs). The gap in all the legal instruments and institutional apparatus emplaced in achieving this novel objection lies in implementation. The United Nations Organization (UNO) especially its Security Council organ that is saddled with the sacred task of discharging the primary objective of the UN which is the promotion of international peace and security seems to be barking only without biting, as it ought to be when push comes to shove this study provides an answer to what should be done to close the implementation gap with a view to galvanizing the plethora of instruments and institutions in place into achieving tangible outcome – protection of IDPs and regulating armed conflicts, thereby fostering global peace.