The Repository @ St. Cloud State

Open Access Knowledge and Scholarship

Date of Award

8-2025

Culminating Project Type

Thesis

Styleguide

apa

Degree Name

Criminal Justice: M.S.

Department

Criminal Justice

College

School of Public Affairs

First Advisor

Dick Andzenge

Second Advisor

Douglas Gilbertson

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Keywords and Subject Headings

Human rights, internally displaced person, humanitarian law, Boko Haram.

Abstract

Terrorism is not a novel phenomenon, nor are its profound implications for human rights. Over the years, various forms of terrorism have resulted in the loss of innocent lives, the erosion of fundamental freedoms, and the diminishing of human dignity (Von Schorlemer, 2003). As a matter of international law and state responsibility, governments are obligated to safeguard their citizens and all individuals within their jurisdiction from acts of terrorism, including the consequential human rights violations perpetrated by terrorist groups. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) represent one of the most vulnerable populations affected by terrorism and armed conflict. Unlike refugees, IDPs do not cross international borders but remain within their home country, often under conditions that render them highly susceptible to further rights violations. The absence of a singular, binding international legal framework governing the protection of IDPs has necessitated reliance on a combination of international humanitarian law (IHL), human rights law, and domestic legal instruments. This thesis examines the legal challenges surrounding the protection of IDPs in terrorism-affected regions and evaluates the existing frameworks that seek to address their plight. It critically analyzes international legal instruments such as the United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement, regional treaties like the African Union’s Kampala Convention, and state-specific legal mechanisms that contribute to their protection. Additionally, this discussion highlights the obligations of states under customary international law, the principle of non-refoulement, and the interplay between counterterrorism measures and human rights protections for displaced populations. This thesis, which focuses on Nigeria, will examine the root causes of displacement in the country, including terrorism, ethno-religious conflicts, and natural disasters. It will assess the Nigerian government’s response to internal displacement, particularly regarding the fundamental rights of IDPs and the legal and institutional frameworks established for their protection. Furthermore, it will evaluate the extent to which these governmental efforts have alleviated the suffering of displaced populations and whether they align with international human rights standards. Ultimately, this thesis argues for a more robust. legally binding international framework that harmonizes humanitarian and counterterrorism obligations while ensuring the dignity and rights of IDPs remain a priority. In conclusion, specific recommendations will be made to strengthen Nigeria’s approach to IDP protection, ensuring a legal and institutional response that is both effective and compliant with international human rights standards. Keywords: Human rights, internally displaced person, humanitarian law, Boko Haram.

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