Abstract
Women and children are very important stakeholders in the sustainable development of Nigeria. When combined, they represent the majority of the population of Nigeria. Whereas women are home builders and contribute immensely to socio-economic and political development, children are an epitome of intergenerational continuity. However, rising incidences of insecurity particularly the activities of the Boko Haram terrorist sect and bandits combined with natural disasters to induce displacements in Nigeria particularly in the North East region.
Women and children are therefore often compelled to seek safety in Internally Displaced Persons Camps. Within the camps, however they are particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. This work examined the legal protection of women and children in IDP camps vis-à-vis the current realities. The doctrinal method of research was adopted in this work hence, primary and secondary sources of law were used. In this work there are various laws and
instruments at the national, regional and international levels which offer protection to women and children in IDP camps. Nevertheless, the work seeks to analyze the legal protection of women and children in IDP camps which is grossly inadequate. This is due essentially to the absence of binding legal framework targeted at IDPs, the limited nature of general human rights with regards to IDPs and the weak mechanisms for the enforcement of
the protection of IDPs.
