Stakeholders in humanitarian work on Saturday held a Road Walk in Abuja to mark the 2017 World Humanitarian Day, and called for the protection of workers in humanitarian services as well as civilians in conflict zones.
The walk was organised by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs (NCFRMI), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with other humanitarian stakeholders.
The walk is in commemoration of the 2017 World Humanitarian Day.
The Day with the theme “Not A Target: Protection of Civilians,” was to create awareness for the protection of humanitarian workers in the country.
Speaking after the walk, Hajiya Sadiya Farouk, the Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, said that statistics had shown increase in cases of violence against humanitarian workers, while many lost their lives in the process.
Farouk, who was represented by the Assistant Director (Internally Displaced Persons), Musa Kangiwa, advised Nigerians to work towards finding solutions to the frequent attacks.
“Statistics have shown that there have been hundreds of cases of violence against humanitarian workers and many have lost their lives in the process and Nigeria has so many of such cases involving insurgents.
“We must therefore join hands to find a solution that will ensure that humanitarian workers are protected because of the importance of the work they do.
“The total number of people affected by natural disasters has risen over the decade and the increasing economic crisis and global challenges underscore the need for more humanitarian workers.”
She urged Nigerians to show concern and support for humanitarian causes all over the world.
“We must not fail to celebrate those who have laid down their lives in helping others. I, therefore, wish to call on all Nigerians to offer a hand to help someone who needs it.”
Also, the Director-General of NEMA, Mustapha Maihaja, said the theme of the 2017 celebration is aimed at the safety and security of humanitarian aid workers, the survivors, well-being and dignity of the people affected by crisis.
“The celebration revolves around raising awareness to accord recognition to victims of violent conflict, terrorism and natural disasters.
“This has brought to fore the compelling need for concerted efforts for mobilisation of resources, exhibition of humanitarian protection and demonstration of sympathy.
“This will help in relieving the affected persons of psychological trauma and increase their resilience to post conflict life situations.”
He also said the 2017 World Humanitarian Day commemoration was to bring together humanitarian partners to reaffirm that civilians caught in conflict should not be targets.
“Voices should be raised to advocate for the most vulnerable people in war zones and demand that world leaders do everything in their power to protect civilians in conflict,” he said.
Maihaja assured humanitarian workers in the country of government’s determination to ensure their protection as they carry out their assignments.
Speaking, the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, said the best way to deal with the humanitarian crises in Nigeria was to tackle poverty.
He called on the government to complement its military operations with “political process” to tackle the issue of poverty.
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