Humanitarian Issues – JSS3 Social & Citizenship Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

A humanitarian issue is a situation in which many people suffer at the same time and need urgent help with food, shelter, safety and health.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define humanitarian crisis, IDP and refugee.
2. State the causes of forced displacement.
3. Differentiate between an IDP and a refugee.
4. List the rights of a refugee and the agencies that help displaced people.
5. Describe the challenges displaced people face.
6. Suggest ways students can show kindness to displaced people.

What is a humanitarian crisis?

A humanitarian crisis is a situation in which many people suffer at once and need urgent help to survive.

• Urgent need: people lack food, clean water, shelter, medical care and safety.
• Large numbers: many families are affected at the same time.
• Not their fault: people often lose their homes through events they did not cause.
• Humanitarian aid: the help given to such people by governments, agencies and charities.

Two groups of people in this situation are often confused: Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Refugees.

Why do people leave their homes?

People flee their homes to stay alive, because staying has become too dangerous.

• Conflict and war: fighting between groups or countries, such as insurgency, forces families to run.
• Natural disasters: floods, droughts or earthquakes destroy houses and farmland.
• Persecution: people are treated cruelly because of their religion, tribe or political beliefs.
• Communal clashes: violent disputes between neighbouring communities drive families out.

Who is an Internally Displaced Person (IDP)?

An IDP is a person forced to flee their home who is still living within their own country.

• Still inside the country: they have not crossed an international border.
• Still citizens: their own government has the main duty to protect them.

Where are the IDPs in Nigeria?

• Northeast: many people left their homes because of insurgency.
• Middle Belt: some people fled communal clashes or flooding.

What is life like for an IDP?

• Living in camps: many live in IDP camps, which are often crowded.
• Loss of livelihood: farmers cannot reach their farms and traders lose their shops.
• Interrupted education: schools back home were destroyed, or it is too dangerous to return.

Who helps IDPs?

• Nigerian Government: it has the main duty to protect and care for IDPs.
• NEMA: the National Emergency Management Agency, which responds to disasters and gives relief materials.
• Charities: groups such as the Red Cross also give food, medicine and shelter.

Who is a refugee?

A refugee is a person who has fled their home and crossed an international border into another country.

• Example 1: a Nigerian family fleeing to Cameroon.
• Example 2: a Syrian family fleeing to Turkey.

Why is the distinction important?

• A refugee is outside their own country, so their own government can no longer protect them.
• They become a “guest” in the host country.
• They are covered by International Law.

What are the rights of a refugee?

• Non-refoulement: a country must not force a refugee back to a place where their life is in danger.
• Protection: refugees deserve safety from violence and hunger.
• Basic services: they should have access to medical care and primary education for their children.

What are the duties of a refugee?

• Obey the law: refugees must respect the laws of the host country.

Which agency looks after refugees?

• UNHCR: the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the global agency that protects and helps refugees.

What is the difference between an IDP and a refugee?

An IDP is displaced inside their own country, while a refugee has crossed into another country. The causes of flight are the same.

What challenges do displaced people face?

Displaced people face problems of health, mind and treatment by others.

1. Health risks: lack of clean water in camps can lead to diseases such as cholera.
2. Trauma: seeing violence or losing loved ones causes deep sadness and fear.
3. Discrimination: people in the host community may be unkind to them.
4. Hunger and poor shelter: food, beds and housing are often not enough.
5. Loss of income and schooling: adults lose their work and children miss lessons.

How can we show humanity to displaced people?

We show humanity by treating displaced people with kindness, respect and practical help.

• Empathy: do not look down on displaced people. It could happen to anyone.
• Donations: give clothes, books or food through registered charities such as the Red Cross.
• Welcome them: if a displaced student joins your class, be extra kind.
• Include them: share your books and invite them to play and study with you.
• Speak up: stop others from mocking or insulting displaced people.

Evaluation

1. What is the main difference between an IDP and a refugee?
2. Mention two things that can force a family to leave their home.
3. Write out NEMA in full and state what it does.
4. Why is empathy important when dealing with people in IDP camps?

Assignment

Write a short note on how your class can welcome a displaced student. Give three ways, and explain why each one helps.