Geneva-based Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions (COHRE) has said that those displaced as a result of the recent violence in Jos, Plateau State, must be provided with adequate emergency shelter while efforts are being made to provide permanent solution to their housing problem.

More than 10,000 people were reportedly displaced by the violence, which left hundreds dead.

COHRE, however, called on the Nigerian government to ensure safe and dignified conditions for people to return to their homes and land, and also begin a process for immediate compensation for those who lost homes and property, to enable them begin to rebuild their lives.

COHRE said the Nigerian government has the right to ask the international community for any assistance it may require meeting its obligations to the displaced.

"The people of Jos have been subjected to extremely traumatic events - including losing friends and family members to the violence. Thousands now find themselves without shelter or livelihoods - their homes and business burnt to ashes," said Salih Booker, Executive Director of COHRE.

"Emergency shelter must include access to clean water and adequate sanitation. But efforts to rebuild livelihoods must begin as a matter of urgency so that the people of Jos can return to normality as soon as possible and begin to rebuild their homes."

COHRE said that the re-building efforts must comply with the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement as well as the UN Principles on Housing and Property Restitution for Refugees and Displaced Persons ("The Pinheiro Principles").

COHRE stressed in particular that the UN Principles demand that those displaced be treated without discrimination and be granted equal protection under the law.

According to the organization, protecting the housing, land and property rights of those displaced is a fundamental human rights concern, and that in situations of displacement, restitution is an essential element of peace-building, reconciliation and reconstruction.

"Fleeing your home does not mean that you are renouncing your right to that home or land," said Booker.

"The people of Jos have a right to be compensated for their losses, and be assisted to a safe and dignified return to their homes when they feel ready. The government must do all in its power to create the conditions that would allow such a safe return.

"Few experiences can be more harrowing than being forced from one's home and land - especially in circumstances of violence," said Booker. "The state is responsible for now taking care of the needs of the displaced while they find durable solutions to the problems in Jos. The Nigerian government must prioritize restitution and return, with the consent of those displaced. They should only go back to their homes when they feel safe and comfortable to do so."