Domesticating The Kampala Convention As A Pivotal Step In Protecting Persons Displaced By Conflict And Violence In Northern Nigeria
Esther Hatsiwa Emmanuel
The paper interrogates the internal displacement in northern Nigeria, through an appraisal of the extant laws particularly the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Africa (Kampala Convention) and other International, regional and domestic instruments. There is no specific National legal framework for the protection and assistance of internally displaced persons in Nigeria. The state is yet to domesticate the Kampala Convention, even though there is a bill pending before the National Assembly that seeks to do the same. The paper recognizes that efforts have been invested by national authorities in developing a National IDP Policy, which was finalized in 2012 but was never adopted. Nigeria should therefore operationalize the Kampala Convention because it provides a comprehensive framework that will bring improvement to the lives of IDP’s in Northern Nigeria.
Examining The Impact Of Covid-19 On Refugees In Tanzania
Leonard Chimanda Joseph
The impact of COVID-19 to the globe has been cross-cutting. A number of sectors and segments of the population have been affected albeit to varying degrees. The refugee population is one amongst those affected by the pandemic globally. Being stigmatized by the fact that they are in a country not of their origin, the effects of the pandemic potentially compounds the stigma and vulnerability of refugees. This paper examines the impact of COVID-19 on refugees in Tanzania. In so doing, it explores the means and methods that are used by refugees to cope with the situation. The research also explores the roles of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the host community in general including the government in promoting refugees’ resilience in the face of the COVID-19. The research is undertaken using qualitative methods of data collection. Interviews by way of telephone and the administration of online questionnaire were the primary modes bearing in mind the requirement to maintain social distancing. Physical interaction was resorted only when mobile communication was impossible. Desk research formed part of the research methodology as well. The research inter alia finds out that, the COVID-19 highly impacted the income generation activities of refugees both in the camps and non-encamped. The pandemic also caused fear and insecurity to refugees and limited the humanitarian access from humanitarian providers. The pandemic negatively affected CSOs responsible for humanitarian assistance in Tanzania. Majority of these organizations closed their offices. The paper finally makes recommendations on curbing the stated problem.
Baryamureeba V Kabakonjo Abwooli: A Win For Women’s Property Rights In Cohabitation.
Fatumah Ramathan-Nabulya
Marriage, especially at its dissolution, tends to be contentious owing to its cross cutting effects on property rights, children custody, spousal maintenance among others. It is more complex when that “union” is not legally recognized. Over 65% of Uganda’s couples are left out under the law because their arrangements are not contracted in accordance with the laws provided for. This potentially subjects women to unequal social laws (patriarchy) usually with no legal remedies. Hence, marriage, due to its overarching effects, can be breeding ground for the entrenchment of gender inequality. This paper reviews a High Court decision through which judicial activism is employed to lessen the plight of cohabiting women. Due to the time they have been in operation, it is often difficult to see our matrimonial laws for what they really are; patriarchal and gender indiscriminate. There is need for Judges to be fully alive to the history of these laws and the debates that led to their passing, to correct the wrongs of history.
International Cooperation As An Anti-trafficking Measure In Nigeria
David Oluwagbami & Oluwakemi Omojola
Human trafficking is one of the most dehumanizing forms of organized crime. It often has transnational characteristics. Nigeria is a centre of human trafficking. It is an origin, transit and destination country for trafficked persons. Global Slavery Index (2018) Report ranked Nigeria 32/167 of the countries with the highest number of victims. International cooperation in curbing this crime dates back to the early 1900 when agreements and conventions for the suppression of slavery, trafficking in women and children were put in place. Although Nigeria has a legal and institutional framework in place, there are indications that the country requires further cooperation with other countries to suppress human trafficking significantly. The need for further cooperation is reflected in the 2020 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, where Nigeria was downgraded from Tier 2 to Tier 2 Watch List. Using doctrinal research, this paper examines international cooperation as a vital plank in fighting the scourge of human trafficking effectively. The paper finds that despite progress made in recent times, more effort is required in international cooperation in the areas of law enforcement and prosecution in order to enhance the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria. The paper makes relevant recommendations to that effect.