Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormen Alia, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in Abuja, formally declared open a High-Level Policy Consultation on the Protection of the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Forcibly Displaced Persons (FDPs) in Nigeria.
The two-day event was organized by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Governor Alia described the consultation as timely, noting that forced displacement continues to affect thousands of Nigerians, including many communities in Benue State.
The Governor joined other stakeholders – including federal and state government officials, civil society organizations, development partners, and IDP-led groups – to reaffirm their collective resolve to safeguard the rights and welfare of displaced persons.
During his remarks, Governor Alia highlighted three key priority areas requiring strengthened national action:
- Strengthening policy and legal frameworks to guarantee effective protection of IDPs and FDPs at all levels of government.
- Closing identified protection gaps through sustained field monitoring by Human Rights Monitors and Community Protection Action Groups.
- Developing a coherent national framework for durable solutions, including voluntary and safe return, resettlement, and local integration, backed by predictable funding, robust security guarantees, and community-driven initiatives.
Governor Alia reiterated Benue State Government’s unwavering commitment to improving security, delivering humanitarian assistance, and facilitating sustainable reintegration for displaced populations in the state.
He expressed optimism that the outcomes of the high-level consultation will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s overall response to internal displacement and contribute to lasting peace and stability across affected regions.
The event continues with technical sessions aimed at producing actionable recommendations for policymakers at federal and state levels.
