• 37 Aid Workers Lost, 24 wounded, 34 Kidnapped in North East since 2016
More than 3.5 million individuals are displaced within the country due to crises, as reported by data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The insurgency in the Northeast region, particularly impacting Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states, has resulted in the tragic loss of 37 aid workers since 2016.
An additional 24 workers have been injured, and 34 have been abducted, according to statistics from the Aid Worker Security Database.
During the observance of World Humanitarian Day in Abuja, stakeholders in the humanitarian sector engaged in a symbolic road walk.
Dr. Nasir Sani Gwarzo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, emphasized the significance of this year’s theme, #NoMatterWhat.
This theme underscores the core principle that propels humanitarian efforts – an unwavering dedication to providing life-saving aid, regardless of a person’s background or location.
Gwarzo said: “Humanitarian professionals are beacons of hope, navigating treacherous circumstances to ensure assistance reaches its intended recipients, irrespective of challenges encountered.
“Just as crises acknowledge no borders, humanitarians also acknowledge no barriers in their mission to aid those in dire need – regardless of the obstacles.”
He further conveyed, “It is imperative to recognize that frontline humanitarian workers play an integral role in our nation’s well-being. Their selfless actions in conflict zones and disaster-stricken areas exemplify their service to Nigeria. Their altruism not only alleviates the plight of those they assist but also contributes to our nation’s stability and prosperity.
” Unfortunately, since 2016, the Aid Workers Security Database has documented the tragic loss of 37 aid workers, with 24 injured and 34 abducted in Nigeria’s North East. This year alone, five aid workers have been abducted in the region, in addition to similar incidents across the nation.
“As we assemble here to commemorate World Humanitarian Day, it is crucial to acknowledge the numerous individuals grappling with humanitarian crises throughout Nigeria. These crises arise from diverse factors, including insurgency, banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, and the impacts of climate change. According to the UNHCR Operating Data, an astonishing 3,578,966 internally displaced persons were recorded as of June 2023 across the North East, North West, and North Central regions of Nigeria. Families, both vulnerable and resilient, find themselves navigating dire circumstances, often contending with urgent needs such as sustenance, shelter, water, protection, and livelihoods.”
“In response to these challenges, both the Nigerian Government and the broader humanitarian community have intensified their efforts to provide meaningful assistance.
“These endeavors attest to the unwavering commitment of aid workers who persistently deliver aid under the most challenging circumstances, embodying the essence of this year’s World Humanitarian Day theme.”
The United Nations (UN) Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Mr. Matthias Schmale, echoed the sentiment that this year’s World Humanitarian Day acknowledges the dedication of aid workers who tirelessly offer life-saving aid to millions in North East Nigeria and other regions.
Despite daunting challenges, these humanitarians work relentlessly to provide assistance to those in need, regardless of the circumstances.
Schmale affirmed, “Having personally witnessed the hard work of humanitarians in the North East, I’ve observed them laboring under extreme conditions, often jeopardizing their safety to support those in need.”
He also highlighted, “Since 2016, 37 aid workers have tragically lost their lives in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states, as reported by the Aid Worker Security Database. Furthermore, 24 workers have been injured, and 34 have been kidnapped.
“The courage, dedication, and resilience exhibited by national and international aid workers on the front lines, delivering assistance without hesitation, is truly impressive.”
Schmale disclosee that the UN and its partners aim to aid six million people in North East Nigeria through the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP).
However, additional funding is urgently required. He lamented that while the plan initially appealed for USD $1.3 billion, only 29 percent of this funding has been secured.
The deteriorating food security and nutrition situation in the North East is a particularly alarming aspect of the crisis, Schmale lamented. An estimated 4.3 million individuals in BAY states are food insecure, according to the March 2023 Cadre Harmonisé assessment.
Around two million children under five are at risk of acute malnutrition this year.
To urgently address critical activities, a $396 million Lean Season Multi-Sector Plan has been launched as part of the HRP. However, this prioritized plan is only 51 percent funded due to limited resources.
Nonetheless, Schmale emphasized that despite immense difficulties, aid workers persist in their efforts, standing shoulder to shoulder with affected communities. He expressed, “On this day, and every day, I salute the commitment and perseverance of humanitarian workers.”
He assured, “No matter what challenges arise, the humanitarian community will continue to collaborate to save, protect, and enhance lives in conjunction with the government and other key stakeholders.”
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