The Government of Argentina has sought the support of Nigeria to endorse the White Helmets Resolution at the next UN General Assembly.
The White Helmets was established by the government of Argentina to promote teams of volunteers that can be placed in the UN for the support of immediate relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction and development activities.
The White Helmet is part of activities of the ministry of Foreign Affairs to participate in relief and humanitarian activities around the world, which it’s continuity is usually being voted for every three years, at the UN’s General Assembly.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Argentina to Nigeria, Mr. Alenjandro Herrero sought the support of Nigeria while leading a delegation on a working visit, to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq.
*“We request the support of the Nigerian government as the next adoption comes up between November and December this year, “* he said.
Mr Herrero stated that the government of Argentina also needed support to expand and localise the White Helmet initiative in Nigeria.
Responding, the Minister, Sadiya Umar Al-Farouq said that the core objectives of the White Helmets aligned with the mandate of the ministry.
*Pledged support*
She commended the Argentine Government for their humanitarian activities and pledged support to the White Helmets initiative.
“I strongly believe that the work of the White Helmets can be implemented through the National Humanitarian Development Peace Framework to support Nigeria’s strategy and response to humanitarian crises and socio-natural disasters, with a specific focus on rehabilitation, reconstruction and development interventions; and promoting disaster risk prevention and management.”
“The Ministry supports the use of skills and expertise of volunteers for humanitarian and development activities in a coordinated and coherent manner, through existing national structures. Hence, we will work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in line with the vision and priorities of Nigerian Government, to extend our support for the adoption of the Resolution on “White Helmets” at the United Nations. The Ministry will also work with you to localise the White Helmet initiative in Nigeria,” she pledged.
Farouq further reiterated the Ministry’s commitment towards collaborating with international partners to provide humanitarian action and socio-economic interventions to significantly improve the livelihood of the vulnerable in Nigeria.
The Government of Argentina established an international civilian body to coordinate its participation in international response to humanitarian emergencies in 1994, which is now known as the White Helmet Commission.
The Commission is responsible for designing and implementing of humanitarian assistance, relying on the expertise of volunteers from various disciplines and specialities.
Lateefah Ibrahim
