THE ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW IN THE PROTECTION OF PLACES OF WORSHIP AND RELIGIOUS OBJECTS IN ARMED CONFLICT: LESSONS FOR NIGERIA

This paper analyzes the role of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in the protection of places of worship and religious objects in armed conflict with particular reference to its domestic application in Nigeria. While the international community today inclusive of Nigeria witnesses recurrent instances of attacks on places of worship and religious objects thereby killing worshippers in their performance of congregations, destroying Churches, Mosques, Synagogues, etc, terrifying the minds of believers, nevertheless International Humanitarian Law [IHL] under the 1949 Geneva Conventions recognizes religious freedom, preserves the rights of religious practice and grants religious personnel and places of worship Special protection. Accordingly, the main objective of this paper is to examine the legal regime under IHL and the role it provides in the protection of places of worship and religious objects during armed conflict. In doing so, the writer examines the current legal framework on the subject in the light of some available State practices in armed conflict relevant to the discussion. It is observed that much of the current legal problems associated with violations of the rules of IHL regarding places of worship as indicated by the State practices examined, stems from willful neglect and disrespect of legal obligations imposed in IHL by States engaged in armed conflict rather than inadequacies in the IHL regime. It is thus recommended that, it is for the UN, ICRC and other relevant intergovernmental organizations to strive more to ensure that States are encouraged to increase commitment to their obligations under IHL in the event of armed conflict.