Exploring the Efficacy of the Legal Framework and Interventions in Tackling Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Internally Displaced Persons Camps in the Northeast Nigeria

Despite availability of a robust legal framework against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), coupled with interventions by state and other stakeholders, SGBV against female internally displaced persons (IDPs) has persisted in the IDP camps in north-east Nigeria over the past decade. This situation is worrisome. Previous studies have not adequately engaged with the problem in particular context of IDP camps in the north-east zone of Nigeria. This study therefore explored the factors responsible for the persistence of SGBV in the IDP camps despite the array of existing laws provided to guard against the menace. The specific objectives of the study includes: examining the factors responsible for the vulnerability of female IDPs to SGBV, analyzing the reasons why interventions by stakeholders have not been very effective in curtailing incidences of SGBV in the IDP camps, and explaining the reasons why the legal and institutional frameworks have failed to provide protection for female IDPs against SGBV. Primary data was collected and analysed using qualitative methods involving key informant interviews and focus group discussion with critical stakeholders. Findings established that the legal framework has been unable to prevent incidences of SGBV in the IDP camps. Furthermore, female IDPs were highly vulnerable to SGBV from various perpetrators in the IDP camps including Boko-haram members, service providers, state security personnel, and male members of the host communities. These and other findings were discussed using the cycles of analysis theory which draws on several other theories including social learning, social disorganisation and crime opportunity theory. On the basis of the findings, the study concludes that the legal and institutional frameworks on SGBV have been ineffective in providing protection for female IDPs in the IDP camps in the north east Nigeria due to failure to factor social structural/environmental conditions such as the influence of social norms of patriarchy on attitudes to utilizing the laws and the perpetrators motivation when trying to prevent sexual and gender-based violence.