Nigeria and the United Nations have launched the North-East Nigeria Humanitarian Response Plan for 2021.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq during the launch in Abuja, the nation’s capital, stressed the need to seek more support for affected persons, especially women and children which has become a priority following the conflict in north-east Nigeria, now in its 12th year and has impacted many Nigerians.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria remains committed to addressing the plight of the affected people and in leading the response to ensure the safety, security and provision of lifesaving assistance to those in need, in collaboration with the international humanitarian community,“ Faruk stated.
She also said that “We are facing additional challenges in terms of security and access for humanitarian partners which is why we have developed the National Humanitarian Development Peace Framework. I am encouraged that the NHDPF emphasizes promoting longer-term durable solutions. We must always look forward, beyond the immediate crisis, to ensure that we help people, re-establish their lives and strengthen communities so that we can reduce dependence on aid and promote resilience and self-reliance,” the Minister added.
Speaking at the launch, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, said that last year was a challenging year for vulnerable people in north-east Nigeria and the only solution to the crises in the area was to prevent humanitarian crises by embracing peace.
“Last year was a year marked by a new reality, the COVID-19 pandemic. The socio-economic impact of the pandemic has already diminished the resilience of millions of people, increasing the fragility of those who were already extremely vulnerable, we will continue to search for a durable solution to the crises through advocacy, dialogue and peacebuilding. This is the time for stakeholders to use this opportunity to solve the problems in the crisis areas. In 2020, over 3 million people were provided with basic humanitarian needs. Today, 8.7 million people are in still in need of humanitarian aid. The main thrust of the operation in 2021 will continue to be providing lifesaving and life-sustaining support to people who are displaced, host communities, by improving the living conditions in camps through decongestion and enhancing the quality of services,” he explained.
Dr Kallon added that the UN would continue to prioritize prevention, a development where feasible and humanitarian assistance where needed.
“The humanitarian community remains committed to working closely with the Government of Nigeria and local communities to reduce protection risks, provide basic services, including shelter, health, water and sanitation, education, as well as food and nutrition and, moreover, livelihood opportunities. The operation will increasingly seek to identify longer-term or durable solutions for those displaced, restoring dignity, self-reliance and hope for a better future, where possible,” he said.
An advocate of the Borno State Network of Women-Led Civil Society Organizations Ann Darman, who called for the protection of Women also stressed the need to stop sexual and gender-based violence that has continued to pose risks in the lives of many women and girls who are vulnerable in the country.
The year 2021 marks the twelfth year of the conflict and the sixth year of the international community working together with the Government of Nigeria to provide humanitarian support enhancing the quality of services.
Last year, Nigeria took major steps to strengthen coordination, leadership role and structures at federal and state levels to bring better coherence in addressing humanitarian needs, while laying the foundation for stabilization and development of conflict-affected states in the country.
PIAK
