"Half of a Yellow Sun": Examining the Erosion of Human Rights in Wartime

Abstract

The Nigeria-Biafra conflict, which ranged from 1967 to 1970, brought immense suffering, with widespread starvation, brutal ethnic cleansing, and oppressive political tactics. The novel Half of a Yellow Sun vividly illustrates the harsh realities of forced displacement, sexual violence, and profound human rights violations that civilians endured during war. This research paper examines into the extensive dimensions of these human rights abuses, illuminating the systematic atrocities perpetrated throughout the conflict. This paper undertakes a thorough examination of historical documents, eyewitness testimonies, and scholarly research to delve into the reasons behind and the resulting effects of these violations, the role of international intervention, and the enduring effects on Nigerian society. It emphasizes the urgent need for accountability, reconciliation as a whole and the establishment of strong international mechanisms to avert such violations in future conflicts