WHD: UN decries diminishing support for humanitarian causes
The United Nations (UN) has decried the diminishing support for victims of conflicts and natural disasters as the world celebrates 2024 humanitarian day.
Making a case for more funding of humanitarian activities in Yola on Monday, UN Resident and coordinator in Nigeria Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall urged governments and development partners to do more in salvaging the plights of victims as and up their support to alleviate the suffering of victims.
ALSO READ
I’ll hand over a peaceful, united country to my successor, Buhari pledges
UNICEF unveils fresh strategies to deepen exclusive breastfeeding
“Our ability to support these efforts is rapidly diminishing. The resources
that we saw mobilised for the COVID response and the global solidarity
are no longer there.
“What gives me hope is that the Government, working together with the
United Nations and non-governmental organisations, can bring hope to
people in need.
“This depends, however, on resources.
Half way through the lean season, the United Nations and partner shave
raised only a third of the US $306 million that is required to address the
alarming food insecurity and malnutrition levels in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
“It is only befitting that as we mark World Humanitarian Day, whose theme
is Act for Humanity, that we all stand in solidarity with the little children
whose lives are on the line.
With mothers who are struggling to feed their children. With boys and girls who are missing out on a childhood because they have been forced by circumstances to take on adult roles to help their families make ends meet,” he said.
Also speaking, Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri urged all development partners to put hands on deck to ensure an end to the scourge of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Prof Kaletapwa Farauta said his government has been up and doing in resolving the IDP crisis following the violent Boko Haram insurrection which forced many people to relocate to Adamawa from neighbouring states.
In his speech, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, called on governments and partners to avail funding for humanitarian causes, provide the enabling environment for humanitarian workers to thrive, and protect the vulnerable civilian population.
“As we mark this day with the theme “Act for Humanity,” let us reaffirm our commitment to protecting civilians caught in conflicts, ensuring the safety of aid workers, and mobilizing resources needed to meet growing humanitarian needs. It is imperative that we advocate for peace building efforts and social cohesion initiatives aimed at addressing root causes of conflict and violence.
“This aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which lays a premium on improving the welfare of the citizens, particularly those at the base of the socio economic and political pyramid.
“I commend all individuals, organizations, government agencies, and international partners who are actively engaged in humanitarian work across Nigeria. Your dedication exemplifies the best of humanity because you serve those in need with compassion and empathy.
“In this regard, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is poised to strengthen and elevate the robust collaboration and support for our development partners and humanitarian workers for the betterment of the society,” the permanent secretary said.
In his speech Adamawa State chairman of the Network of Adamawa Non-governmental Organizations (NANGO)
also calls for more funding for humanitarian causes, protecting the civilians population and to ensure the safety of aid workers.
He called for increased resources to meet growing humanitarian needs and stressed the importance of peace-building and social cohesion initiatives to address the root causes of conflict.
“This year’s World Humanitarian Day theme, “Act for Humanity,” honors the dedication of humanitarian workers and the people they serve. The event also drew attention to the alarming dangers faced by aid workers globally, with 280 killed in 33 countries last year, including 4 in north-east Nigeria.
“The UN’s 2024 report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict highlights the ongoing violence in north-east Nigeria, where more than 4,500 civilians were killed in 2023 due to conflict,” he said.
