FG assures safety of humanitarian workers in conflict zones

.Condemns spike in attacks against humanitarian workers

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of humanitarian workers caught in conflict zones across the country.

Mr Abel Enitan, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, reaffirmed government’s commitment on Monday in Yola, Adamawa.

Enitan spoke at an event organised by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) in collaboration with the Ministry to mark the 2024 World Humanitarian Day.

The theme of the 2024 World Humanitarian Day is : “Act for Humanity,” being a clarion call to action for the protection of innocent civilians.

Enitan, represented by the Director, Humanitarian Affairs in the ministry, Mr Valentine Ezulu, advocated the need to tackle the root causes of conflicts.

“As we mark this day with the theme, Act for Humanity, there is need to renew our commitment to protecting civilians caught in conflicts, ensuring the safety of aid workers.

“In Nigeria, we are no strangers to the impact of violent conflicts, natural disasters, and other emergencies that have led to significant humanitarian challenges.

“The resilience of our people in the face of adversity is truly remarkable, but it is essential that we work together towards sustainable solutions that address these pressing issues.

“’We must mobilise resources needed to meet growing humanitarian needs; it is also imperative that we advocate for peace building and initiatives aimed at addressing root causes of conflict and violence,’’ he said.

Enitan said the ministry would continue to strengthen collaboration with development partners to provide the needed support for the betterment of humanitarian workers.

He expressed gratitude to UNOCHA, World Food Programme (WFP) and other partners for their interventions on issues concerning persons in need across the federation.

Earlier, Mr Mohamed Fall, the UN Resident Coordinator, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the event provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss protection of civilians.

“It is important that we continue to implore parties to conflict, to protect civilians and those who are helping and supporting them.

“We also remind the world of our collective responsibility to stand in solidarity with victims of conflict and disasters,’’ he said.

He expressed worry over the inability of stakeholders to raise the funds for humanitarian support.

“Halfway through the lean season, the United Nations and partners have raised only a third of the 306 million US Dollar required to address the alarming food insecurity and malnutrition levels in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe State,’’ Fall said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, the 2024 World Humanitarian Day Celebration emphasises the need for collective action to protect humanitarian workers and the people they serve.

In another development, the Federal Government says the “alarming increase’’ in attacks against humanitarian workers, particularly in Africa, has made the work of the heroes increasingly perilous.

Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), stated this on Monday in Abuja, at a news conference to commemorate the 2024 World Humanitarian Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the theme of the 2024 World Humanitarian Day is “Act for Humanity’’.

Ahmed emphasised the urgent need for implementation of framework for the protections for humanitarian workers amid a troubling rise in violent attacks.

He cited recent incidents across the continent, including in South Sudan, where aid workers have been abducted and killed, and in the Central African Republic, where humanitarian convoys have been ambushed.

Closer to home, Ahmed lamented the situation in Nigeria, where between 2020 and 2024, there were 49 reported incidents affecting 79 humanitarian workers.

The violence according to him, included the tragic killing of an aid worker from Médecins du Monde and the attack on a United Nations Aid Facility in Borno State

He said the violence resulted in the deaths of no fewer than 20 internally displaced persons.

“These attacks are not just crimes against individuals; they are blatant violations of international humanitarian law,” Ahmed declared.

He said their protection was in line with the Geneva Conventions, which classify the intentional targeting of humanitarian workers as a war crime.

Ahmed called for a renewed commitment from the global community to enforce these laws and end the cycle of impunity that allows such violence to persist.

“As a nation, Nigeria has been deeply affected by conflicts that have displaced millions and created an urgent need for humanitarian assistance.

“Yet, those who work tirelessly to bring relief often face life-threatening risks,’’ he said.

In addition to advocating for stricter enforcement of international humanitarian law, the Commissioner urged the Nigerian government to strengthen its legal framework to prosecute those who commit the heinous acts.

He then called on all stakeholders to intensify their efforts to protect both humanitarian workers and civilians in conflict zones, emphasising that the protection of the individuals is a moral imperative.

Ahmed also expressed his deepest gratitude to the humanitarian workers who continued to serve in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

The commissioner called on all Nigerians to stand together in defense of the rights and dignity of every person, especially those who are most vulnerable.

He urged collective action to ensure that those who risk their lives to save others could do so without fear of violence or retribution.