Sadiya Farouq, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, says the 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan would help displaced people otherwise affected by the crisis in north-eastern Nigeria.
The Minister made the remark during the launch of a $1 billion virtual appeal for the most needy 6.5 million people in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.
Following the conflict in north-east Nigeria, which is now in its twelfth year and has impacted many Nigerians, Farouq stated that more help for the affected persons, especially women and children, has become a priority.She said,”
The Federal Government of Nigeria remains committed ito 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 international humanitarian community.
“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.”
As outlined in the Humanitarian Response Plan and expressed in the National Humanitarian Development Peace Framework, the minister pledged the federal government’s continued support and cooperation to the humanitarian community in addressing the suffering of the people in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.
The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Edward Kallon, claimed at the launch of the appeal funds that the only response to the region’s crises was to avoid humanitarian crises by accepting peace.
“We will continue to search for a durable solution to the crises through advocacy, dialogue and peace building.
“This is the time for stakeholders to use this opportunity to solve the problems in the crises areas.
“In 2020, over 3 million people were provided with basic humanitarian needs. Today, 8.7 million people are in need of humanitarian aid.
“The year 2021 marks the 12th year into the conflict and our 6th year of collective response to dire humanitarian needs of an immense extent. Millions of people are affected by insecurity and violence.”
Ann Darman, a member of the Borno State Network of Women Led Civil Society Organizations, stated in her speech that security remains a major issue and challenge for women and girls living in conflict zones, especially in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.
“Sexual and gender-based violence continue to pose risks in the lives of many women and girls and we must do more to protect these vulnerable ones,” she said.”
The United Nations and its humanitarian partners are seeking $1 billion to support 6.4 million people in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.
(thegazette)
