Creating the conditions for normalcy was critical for displaced people and those trying to return said Dr Beyani, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of IDPs following his recent visit to the North-East.

In a statement published on Wednesday, Dr Beyani called for a "focus on addressing durable solutions for all IDPs and those who have returned to their areas of origin on a comprehensive basis", and stressed that "it is essential to ensure that the durable solutions process is done voluntarily, with the informed consent and participation of IDPs."

Noting the rebuilding of roads and demining, the statement continued,

"However, a significant number of IDPs still live in protracted displacement, and tens of thousands others who have returned or have been settled elsewhere in the North live in very precarious conditions and need more durable housing, access to social services, and the creation of livelihood opportunities. Of equal importance is an environment allowing the resettled and remaining IDPs to exercise their property rights, receive information on missing family members and access legal services. While former fighters have been formally demobilized and rehabilitated, they continue to face difficulties in terms of durable solutions as monitoring and control measures by security forces limit their ability to find employment."

"Another critical element is creating conditions for IDPs and returnees to get back to normalcy after 30 years of conflict."

See here for full statement.