An overview of the issue of internal displacement in West Africa
Published by: Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) , 2006
Via: Eldis
In line with the IDMC’s broader aim of giving a regional focus to its monitoring and advocacy on situations of internal displacement in some 50 countries worldwide, this report provides information and analysis on what is undoubtedly one of the world’s most significant regional displacement crises. The report notes that, although the total number of IDPs in West Africa may currently be fewer than one million (but possibly much higher), the potential for spiralling instability and massive levels of internal displacement is acute.
The report aims to increase awareness and understanding of West Africa’s internal displacement crisis and thus contribute to efforts aimed at improving national and international responses. It places special emphasis on the role of national governments, as they are responsible under international law for protecting the civilian population within their jurisdiction and providing them with humanitarian assistance if needed.
The report contains a general overview of the background and causes of conflict-induced internal displacement in West Africa, as well as a country-by-country overview of the main protection and assistance concerns of IDPs in six countries of the region: Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria and Senegal. Each country overview also highlights some of the main gaps in the overall humanitarian response to IDPs in that particular country, and ends with key recommendations to the relevant national authorities.
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