UNHCR officials call for ‘lasting solution’ to end displacement crisis in Nigeria
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Operations and Protection Officers Raouf Mazou and Ruven Menikdiwela have completed a high-level visit to Nigeria, focusing on establishing sustainable solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) through government-led and “whole-of-society” strategies drawing on the knowledge of the United Nations and a number of partners.
Needs of internally displaced people
Senior officials commend Nigerian government for receiving more 100,000 asylum seekers and refugees from about 50 countriesThey also promised to strengthen the self-reliance of those displaced.
However, they note that more than three percent of the world’s 120 million people forced to migrate are Nigerians.
More than 3.6 million people globally are displaced from their countries due to violence perpetrated by non-state armed groups or due to communal disputes exacerbated by lack of resources.
In addition, the number of internally displaced people is increasing and forcing them to rely heavily on humanitarian aid.
UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, Mr. Mazou said that “We cannot afford to let this situation drag on.with families who depend on assistance year after year.”
“Refugees and migrants have repeatedly told us that they would rather have a job than be on welfare,” he continued.
Mr Mazou also said he had met men and women returning home with the hope of building a better life; he said UNHCR would support the development of livelihood opportunities.
Support from UNHCR
UNHCR said it had begun working with the Nigerian Government to provide “sustainable solutions” for displaced community members by supporting their needs in agriculture, irrigation, food security and employment.
Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Mr. Menikdiwela, who is also present on this high-level visit, will Prioritize long-term solutions for displaced people in the region based on “a protective environment, labor opportunities and conditions, and the availability of development and private sector funding“g.”
“Solutions are the highest form of protection,” Assistant High Commissioner Menikdiwela added. “This requires humanitarian, development and peace partners to work together.”
