Lawyers Alert Commences Legal Clinics in IDP Camps in Benue State

Lawyers Alert is pleased to announce the commencement of Legal Clinics in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps in Benue State, following official approval from the Benue State Government through the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA). This initiative seeks to strengthen access to justice, enhance protection, and uphold the rights of displaced persons affected by conflict and insecurity in the state.

Benue State continues to grapple with recurring violence and displacement, leaving thousands of families in need of not only humanitarian assistance but also legal protection. While food, shelter, and emergency relief remain priorities, the legal needs of IDPs, including rights violations, gender-based violence, and exploitation, are often unaddressed.

With the approval of the Benue State Government, Lawyers Alert has now established on-site Legal Clinics that will deliver free legal services, rights sensitisation sessions with special focus on gender based violence (GBV) protection, and access to justice with particular reference to women.

Speaking on the initiative, the President of Lawyers Alert, Dr. Rommy Mom, emphasized the urgent need to uphold and protect the rights of individuals displaced from their communities. He noted that displacement should never mean the loss of dignity, safety, or access to justice. 

By establishing Legal Clinics within IDP camps, Lawyers Alert aims to provide displaced persons with critical legal support, restore their sense of agency, and ensure that their voices are heard and their rights safeguarded.

Lawyers Alert acknowledges and appreciates the support of the Benue State Government through BSEMA, whose approval and cooperation have enabled the smooth commencement of this critical protection service within IDP communities.

This initiative is part of Lawyers Alert’s wider commitment to promoting, protecting, and defending the rights of marginalized and vulnerable populations and a People Centered Public Safety intervention.   With these Legal Clinics, we reaffirm that justice must remain accessible even in displacement and crisis.

Signed

Linus Egwu 

Senior Communication Officer, Lawyers Alert.