ABUJA – The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) on Thursday in Abuja called on the Federal Government to initiate an effective national policy to address the issue of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
The Executive Director of CISLAC, Malam Auwal Rafsanjani, made the call at a news conference on the situation of IDPs in the country.
“ Presently, Nigeria lacks accurate, exact or reliable records of IDPs across the country, thus backpedalling effective inclusion of displaced persons related issues in the National Developmental Planning,’’ he said.
Rafsanjani stressed the need for the establishment of effective early warning system and proactive measures to reduce disaster risks, as well as timely development of database system on displaced persons. [eap_ad_1] He also called on government to ensure the implementation of the existing four-year Strategic Implementation Plan of Action developed by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.
“This will go a long way to reposition and professionalise the commission to successfully tackle problems of internally displaced persons in the country,’’ he said.
The activist also called on the National Assembly to review the existing mandate of the commission to reflect new challenges and trends in forced displacement management.
He suggested the creation of a Humanitarian Trust Fund Raising Unit to address funding problems associated with disaster management to ensure quick and adequate response.
“It is imperative for the government at all levels to guarantee rapid provision of sufficient means of livelihood such as food and medicine to mitigate the plights of displaced persons,’’ he said.
According to Rafsanjani, in recent times, the recurring nature of internal conflicts and natural disasters have rendered thousands homeless without means of livelihood.
Besides, he appealed to state governors to provide IDPs with the requisite security that would enable them to safely return to their homes. (NAN)
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