Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri January 25, 2020.
The United Nations (UN) and European Union (EU) have lamented increasing attacks against civilians and aid workers providing humanitarian assistance to people in Northeast. The decade long crisis in region; continues to uproot over 5.8 million people and deepen their humanitarian needs, including lifesaving requirements. In a joint statement Saturday of UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon and EU Commissioner, Janez Lenarcic in Maiduguri, Borno state, said: “The increased attacks by non-state armed groups and military operations; have led to waves of massive displacements of people. According to Kallon and Lenarcic, the incessant attacks and military operation, have resulted into increased humanitarian needs and protection risks in 2019. They explained that the number of people in need of urgent assistance rose from 7.1 million in 2019 to 7.7 million this year. Kallon said the crisis, has limited people access to food, trade, and basic services, as over two million have already fled their homes in search of safety and shelter.
“About 3.8 million people are at risk of food insecurity at crisis and emergency levels,” he said, while 1.2 million people in need remain cut off from humanitarian aid in hard to reach areas. He noted that despite the challenges, humanitarian actors have reached 5.6 million people in 2029. He disclosed that the provision of assistance to victims of crisis, will gulp $869 million (312.84 billion) this year. He noted that in a challenging operating and security context, humanitarian aid workers in Nigeria, will continue to risk their lives to deliver life-saving assistance to those who need it. According to him, four humanitarian workers in Nigeria; were executed by non-state armed groups in December last year. While announcing an additional 26.5 million euros (N10.6 billion) in humanitarian aid, Lenarcic said: “I saw first-hand today (Thursday) the suffering that conflict has brought to people’s lives and how crucial humanitarian aid is to people’s survival. “What matters most is that humanitarian organisations can reach all the people in need, without restrictions, including in areas under the influence of non-state armed groups.”
He said it is vital that all States and parties to armed conflicts respect their obligation to allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief. He also urged them to implement a comprehensive strategy, by exploring political tracks while addressing the root causes of conflict in region.
