Gender-Based Violence in Internally Displaced Persons Camps in Adamawa State

This research examines the prevalence and legal response to gender-based violence (GBV) in internally displaced persons camps in Adamawa State, Northeast Nigeria, where armed conflict by non-state actors has displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians. GBV, encompassing sexual violence, physical assault, early marriage, and denial of resources, constitutes one of the gravest human rights violations experienced by displaced women and girls in humanitarian settings. The study draws on the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, the VAPP Act 2015, and the Minimum Standards for Protection, Gender and Inclusion in Emergencies published by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee. Research data are gathered through semi-structured interviews with 40 female IDP camp residents, camp managers, social workers, and representatives from UN Women and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) operating in Yola and Mubi. Findings reveal systemic under-reporting of GBV incidents due to social stigma and fear of retaliation, inadequate presence of female police officers and healthcare professionals in camps, and near-total absence of formal legal aid for survivors. The study argues that camp management frameworks insufficiently integrate human rights-based GBV prevention and response mechanisms. Recommendations include dedicated GBV safe spaces, mobile legal aid clinics, and gender-responsive camp governance structures. Keywords: gender-based violence, IDP camps, Adamawa State, women's rights, humanitarian response.