Theme: People’s knowledge, opinions and thoughts about occurrences in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp.

The RU Talk I focused on sharing opinions, thoughts and knowledge on occurrences at the IDP camps in Nigeria. Persons who have visited the camps during interventions shared their experiences of what life at the camp was about while those who never visited shared perceived thoughts on what they imagined it to be; some persons shared that IDPs have access to food and shelter based on several donations conducted on the camp while others shared that life at the camp is not as rosy as imagined.

As an organization that conducted investigations at this camp, we shared knowledge of happenings that included unequal distribution processes, sexual exploitation at the camp and other human right violations.

We held breakout sessions during the talk where participants indulged in the "inequalities and bias exercise" here, self-evaluation was conducted to help take note of certain ways in which we are biased to making certain decisions or conclusions and some of the inequalities both men and women suffer.

At the end of the talk, it was concluded that the opinions of stakeholder and persons on what happens at the camp might not be the actual truth as many IDPs often become "victims twice over" in these vulnerable situations.

Theme: Ways to ensure effective management of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Nigeria.

The RU Talk II focused on discussing effective methods of proper management implementing at the IDP Camps and prior to the talk, excerpts from the interviews conducted with some of the participants who shared their experiences in the IDP camp was shared with the public to reveal the real occurrences happening in the IDP camp. With the renewed knowledge, minds were open to strategizing on effective ways to curb sexual exploitation and abuse in vulnerable situations and improve the living conditions of the IDPs.

Some methods shared by participants included implementing external monitoring committees on camp to manage and respond to complaints from the IDPs to reduce the managerial power camp officials have due to the fact that most of these persons in places of high power are also perpetrators. Others suggested the implementation of proper distribution processes in camp to ensure fair distribution of materials donated at the camp rather than leave the items in the hands of the authorities who might likely not share the items or share them in a manner that discriminates against others especially women.

An important aspect of the session was the need to conduct a needs assessment before conducting an intervention at the IDP camps to ensure distributed items or services are those needed at the camp and those that will have a long-term impact on the beneficiaries.

At the end of the session, it was agreed that a sensitization to educate people about human rights was needed and should be tailored to different sectors such as the camp and humanitarian officers, donating bodies and private persons, NGOs, CBOs, the Government, schools and the residents (victims and survivors) and a campaign against sexual exploitation should be carried out with collaborations from individuals and organizations.

Theme: Observation and assessment of behavioural patterns and actions of residents at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps in Nigeria.

The RU Talk III focused on sharing patterns of behaviours amongst residents in the camps and relevant stakeholders asked questions about some of these happenings.

We had different speakers share their observations of residents and Mimi shared the impact of covid-19 on donating bodies and how these impacts have affected the residents at the camp. These impacts have negatives and positive and in this, we were able to understand the real drivers for continued sexual exploitation in the camp. Due to covid-19, there are fewer funds for charitable works which have affected the donation of items at the camp and this has increased hunger on the camp for the residents, however, sexual exploitation has reduced because there is no bargaining chip for the exploiters to use in demanding sex from the women.

Iwanger shared the observation she had where camp officers or generally people in the position of power can exploit others due to lack of external reporting mechanisms. Others shared that if the camp has external management and monitoring units where the residents have access to report certain cases or issues on-going in the camp, then sexual exploitation will be reduced or curbed completely.

With the continued incessant killings in villages, residents are scared to return back to their places of abode and this impacts reintegration as there is little to no effective security measure implemented in curbing the farmer's herdsmen attacks.

With the observations noticed on camp, we concluded that if distribution processes are set up, external reporting and monitoring mechanisms are established such as an external legal aid council, therapeutic services and effective policing, the issues surrounding sexual exploitation will be curbed.

In our next RU Talk - we will be educating stakeholders on how to plan distribution processes and how to conduct post-evaluation for beneficiaries at the camp.

Theme: "Effective distribution process at the IDP Camp"

The RU Talk IV focused on educating donating organizations and individuals on the proper distribution process in IDP camps.

The RU book was read by Mimi to tell the lived experiences of IDPs in camps.

Victor facilitated the Distribution Process session of the event. He explained what distribution means. He further expounded on the factors to consider when drawing up a distribution plan which include: beneficiary selection, vulnerability criteria, task validation etc. He explained that distribution is like a project, and distributions need to be planned as projects are planned. Afterwards, he shared things that should be done before, during and after distributions.

Next, a breakout session was held. Two breakout groups were created where participant created beautiful distribution plans, after which each group presented their plans.