The Nation Newspaper

Tag: United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR)

  • Boko Haram is political, not religious – 2face

    Boko Haram is political, not religious – 2face

    A  Nigerian Music icon, Innocent Idibia, otherwise called  2Face or 2Baba has said the protracted Boko Haram crisis which has claimed the lives of millions and traumatized thousands with billions on property lost has nothing to do with religion but rather the failure of the political leadership of the country.

    According to the music maestro, “unless government and politicians step up their games by doing the needful in eradicating poverty among the masses, particularly youths, ensure  justice to all manner of people or else,  ending the Boko Haram  insurgency and other violent clashes across the country  will be difficult and unrealistic”.

     Mr. Idibia who spoke to journalists in Maiduguri as he winds up his visits to displaced people in the state where he visited the Camps in Banki, a border community with Cameron Republic and other resettlement areas in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital as part of his Foundation’s collaboration with United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to drum support for the IDPs said he was particularly “sadden by the pathetic living conditions of the IDPs in the camps”.

    He announced that he will donate part of the proceeds from his new song launched on World Refugee Day this year to support the affected population through UNHCR., adding that he will be  staging  a concert in Abuja at the Hilton Hotel on 24 July as part of continuing efforts to support IDPs and returnees in Nigeria.

    He Urged  government, security agencies, Media Practitioners and other Humanitarian agencies to scale up a coordinated efforts in addressing the plights of IDPs and other victims of violence, as well as tackling  terrorism in the bud.

    his world, ” I am here in Maiduguri with support from UNHCR to use my music in contributing to alleviate the suffering of our IDPs and other victims of insurgence.

    “I feel honoured to work with organization like UNHCR, am just one person, when I went round some of these camps, I was saddened, I saw fear, sorrow and trauma, I feel disappointed looking at the faces and eyes of the IDPs. You will see hunger and object poverty. Unless Government and politicians shun injustice, corruption and remained focus and committed to our collective development, these same set of traumatized and displaced people in camps may turn up to be more dangerous in the society.

    “Although, I have seen hope of life among some of these IDPs, all hands must be on deck to the needful by rendering support no matter how little it is. Presently I have a song, titled ‘Hold my Hands’, this song is on many platforms, all people need to do is to download it and use it ringing tone. It will only cost you N50 per month, but will surely contribute in giving hope of life to our traumatized victims of insurgency.

    “In my little way, I have come and seen the live in camps and next week, when I go back to Abuja, we are going to do a concert as my proceed donation in alleviating the suffering of the IDPs”, 2Face stated.

    He particularly praised working Journalists in the region, while encouraging them to continue their good efforts and sacrifices in reporting activities of government, security agencies, Humanitarian partners in the fight against insurgency in the north east sub- region.

    The Nation recalls that in February this year,  2Face Foundation donated more than US$11,000 to UNHCR for IDPs and returnees and has embarked on a series of activities to scale up the support.

  • UNHCR, 2Face drum support for IDPs in Borno

    UNHCR, 2Face drum support for IDPs in Borno

    The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) partnership with the singer, Innocent Idibia, (2 face Idibia), have inaugurated awareness campaign to garner support for victims of violence.

    The UNHCR and the singer-songwriter are focusing their campaign to those who were affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East region.

    Edibia said this at a musical concert organised by the Nigerian Army at the Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri on Tuesday.

    He said decided to partner with UNHCR because he was deeply touched by the condition of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

    “I visited some of the IDP camps. Their condition is heart-breaking and saddening.

    “At the same time; I see hope in their eyes and eagerness to return to homes. And that hope could not have been there without the effort of the army,” he said.

    Edibia also commended the Nigerian Army’s efforts towards ending the insurgency and protection of lives and property in the country.

    The singer commended the Army for ensuring peace in the country.

    “Words alone cannot not express how wonderful you have been doing toward ensuring the return of peace in the country.

    “You are doing a wonderful work, putting your life on the line to defend and protect our country.”

    He, however, promised to extend the campaign to other parts of the country, with a view to drumming support for IDPs and the counter-insurgency campaign.

    Also speaking, Cesar Tshilombo, the Head of the UNCHR, Sub-Office in Maiduguri, said that the organisation would collaborate with 2Face to raise awareness on its operations in the region.

    “Having 2Face here will make the visibility of UNHCR operations. It is to let the people know that they not being neglected.

    “Today we are in Ngala, visited some of the camps and interacted with some of the displaced children. I think having 2Face around is a good partnership,” Tshilombo said.

    “We are specifically working

  • World Refugees Day: FG promises more welfare for IDPS, Migrants

    World Refugees Day: FG promises more welfare for IDPS, Migrants

    …UNHCR laments condition of refugees

     

    The Federal Government on Monday promised that it will continue to make provisions for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and migrants precipitated by crisis in the various camps scattered across the country in line with mandate and principles of international protection.

    The assurance was given by the Federal Commissioner in charge of National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Sadiya Umar Farouk while presenting food items to inmates of the refugees camp in Nyanya Gwandara, Nasarawa State as part of activities to mark the World Refugee Day.

    June 20 is marked as World Refugee Day.

    As part of activities to mark the day, Farouk led ‎representatives of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to the camp.

    Farouk said that the aim of the visit was to empathize with refugees and IDPs who have found themselves in circumstances not pleasant for humanity.

    She urged Nigerians and all individuals to take a moment to remember all those affected, assuring them that they are not forgotten.

    She said “The National Commission for Refugee, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons will continue to play its role in accordance with its mandate and principles of international protection.”

    The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Jose Antonio Canhandula lamented the condition of the refugees which he said was caused by no fault of theirs.

    He called on the international community to show solidarity with the refugees predicament.

    Also in her remarks, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Social Affairs and Gender, Dr Fatima Diasow ‎assured that ECOWAS was doing everything within its powers to curtail the disturbing incidence of conflicts across the region.

    Diasow, who was represented at the occasion by Mr Alozie Amaechi, assured that ECOWAS was willing to partner with UNHCR and other world bodies to address the sufferings of citizens caught in conflict situations across the region.

    The spokesperson of the refugees, Germaine Ukumu commended Nigeria for the show of love and provision for stranded African refugees, despite competing demands on lean resources owing to the government’s engagements in the fight against terrorism.

    She said “Whoever gives a refugee a cup of water or shelter has done mighty before God. We here there are over 50 million refugees in the world today, and more troubles are taking place to force more people out of their countries into exile.

    “Now, there is a new trend, the IDPs syndrome that has occupied ‎the attention and resources of the federal government of Nigeria in recent times due to terrorism. Despite all that, Nigeria has continued to show large heart to stranded Africans and refugees,” she said.

     

  • Tuface donates N3.5m to support UNHCR

    Tuface donates N3.5m to support UNHCR

    The Nigeria music star Innocent Ujah Idibia popularly known as 2 face, on Monday donated 3.5 million naira to the forcibly displaced through the united nation refugee agency (UNHCR).

    The donation, which was made through the 2 face foundation, flag off the UN refugee agency first ever fundraising exercise in Nigeria. The aim is to provide relief material and support to families who have been force to flee their abode in Nigeria and across Africa.

    Speaking at the event, 2 face noted that the donation is a token from him to help those who have been forcefully displaced in Africa.

    “I have been to some IDPs and their condition is terrible, it’s mind-blowing. I hope will be able to gather more people and give more donations.

    Prior to the event he stated that “I am proud to support UN refugee Agency because of its proven track record of being at the fore front of displacement emergencies. I want to help more people who have been forced to flee their homes because it is an issue I care about, and this donation is one of such effort because  we plan to have a major charity concert in June to raise money, Whilst offering my music and talent to the world for donation towards noble cause”.

    Nigeria, the UN refugee Agency responds to the need of more than 1.8 million  internally displaced persons. Due to the monumental needs the Agency has switch its effort to spirited Africans to bridge its funding gaps.

    The Nigeria music star Innocent Ujah Idibia popularly known as 2 face, on Monday donated 3.5 million naira to the forcibly displaced through the united nation refugee agency (UNHCR).

    The donation, which was made through the 2 face foundation, flag off the UN refugee agency first ever fundraising exercise in Nigeria. The aim is to provide relief material and support to families who have been force to flee their abode in Nigeria and across Africa.

    Speaking at the event, 2 face noted that the donation is a token from him to help those who have been forcefully displaced in Africa.

    “I have been to some IDPs and their condition is terrible, it’s mind-blowing. I hope will be able to gather more people and give more donations.

    Prior to the event he stated that “I am proud to support UN refugee Agency because of its proven track record of being at the fore front of displacement emergencies. I want to help more people who have been forced to flee their homes because it is an issue I care about, and this donation is one of such effort because  we plan to have a major charity concert in June to raise money, Whilst offering my music and talent to the world for donation towards noble cause”.

    In Nigeria, the UN refugee Agency responds to the need of more than 1.8 million  internally displaced persons. Due to the monumental needs the Agency has switch its effort to spirited Africans to bridge its funding gaps.

     

  • UN seeks speedy passage of IDPs law in Nigeria 

    UN seeks speedy passage of IDPs law in Nigeria 

    To ameliorate the suffering of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) on Thursday urged the Federal Government to fast track the passage of the National Policy on IDPs.

    Millions of Nigerians mainly women and children have been displaced in the North East due to Boko Haram insurgency. This has resulted in humanitarian crisis in the area causing the death of many children.

    Speaking at a stakeholder’s meeting to Review the National Policy on IDPs in Nigeria organised by the National Commission for Refugees and IDPs (NCFR), the Deputy Country Representative of the UNHCR in Nigeria, Bridget Eno, made the call in Abuja.

    Stressing that the humanitarian crisis in the Northeast due to the Boko Haram insurgency remain critical and disturbing, she said that there is need for a strong response that requires coordinated collaboration of all stakeholders.

    She said “Since the Kampala Convention that Nigeria participated in and ratified, there have been series of advocacy to stakeholders in Nigeria and elsewhere to ensure the domestication of the Kampala Convention.

    “Domesticating the convention and passing the enabling law, that is the National Policy on IDPs will lead to better response and effective coordination of response to the IDPs challenges,” she said.

    The Honourable Federal Commissioner of the NCFR, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk, said that providing assistance and protecting the IDPs has been difficult for government and non-government actors alike due to lack of coherent framework that has drastically impeded their ability to act as expected.

    She said “Our efforts have remained largely insufficient in the face of the massive humanitarian challenges we have on hand. The process for the adoption of the National Policy began in 2012, here we are five years later still without a National Policy,” she noted.

    She said that the passage of the law will among others ensure that durable solutions are provided for survivors to ensure that they are rehabilitated and resettled and get them reintegrated into their communities and restore their dignity.

    The Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai represented by the Chief of Civil Military Affairs Army Headquarters, Major General Peter Bojie, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) Auwal Musa Rafsanjani and the Legal Office of the International Committee of the Red Cross Isabel Robinson among others harped on the importance of quick passing of the policy into law.

  • Troops rescue 88 hostages in Borno

    Troops rescue 88 hostages in Borno

    ...Kill three insurgents

    Troops on clearance operations in the Northeast have rescued 88 people in Bama Local Government Area of Borno and killed three during an encounter.

    A statement signed by Col. Sani Usman, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, in Abuja on Tuesday, said 28 people of those rescued, claimed they escaped from Bula Musa village.

    Usman said the 28 people comprised two men, nine women and 17 children, adding that the troops killed three terrorists during separate encounter.

    “They have been taken to Bama town for screening, profiling and possible handover to emergency management and humanitarian agencies,” Usman said.

    He said that another 23, comprising a man, five women and 17 children were intercepted by troops deployed at Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Bama.

    Usman said this was after they escaped from terrorists in Bula Musa general area on Sunday.

    “In Dikwa, the troops also recorded influx of 37 IDPs, comprising two men, 12 women, 12 boys and 11 girls from Gulumba Gana village which is about 45km astride Gulumba-Kumshe Road axis, Bama Local Government Area.

    “They were screened by the troops and the Civilian JTF who, later handed them over to the Dikwa IDPs camp management for further registration and rehabilitation,’’ Usman said.

    He said those deployed at Nigeria-Cameroon border in conjunction with Civilian JTF also arrested two escaping Boko Haram terrorists named Mohammed Mundilga and Ahmed Ali.

    “The terrorists, who hail from Gamboru Ngala Local Government Area on preliminary investigation confessed that they were Boko Haram fighters, and added that they sneaked into Gamboru from Abbaganaram village, Marte Local Government Area after being tired of staying in the bush.

    ‪”They, terrorists, attempted to disguise and pass on as IDPs but ran out of luck as they were found out. Both of them have been handed over to the Joint Investigation centre for further interrogation,’’ he said.

    ‪The army spokesman said troops also carried out clearance operation and fighting patrol at Wadama, Izakah, Gelemari and Kalizaram villages.

    ‪He said following information that terrorists were extorting residents of Zankari village, troops stationed in Monguno, responded and killed two of them, while one sustained gunshot wounds.

    ‪Usman said the troops recovered one AK-45 rifle and three rounds of 7.62mm ammunition from the insurgents.

    In a related development, Usman said the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) team led by Adam Zanna Karamma had visited Bama IDPs camp.

    He said the team registered internally displaced persons below 17 of age for distribution of non-food items, adding that they would be trained on skills acquisition and construction of temporary shelter.

  • Boko Haram: UN cautions FG against returning IDPs to communities

    Boko Haram: UN cautions FG against returning IDPs to communities

     

    The United Nations yesterday advised the Federal and State Governments to consider the safety of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) caused by the Boko Haram sect and avoid returning them to their communities.

    This is even as Federal and State governments from the Northwest geo-political zones has given adequate assurance of their safety.

    Speaking at the three-day Regional Protection Dialogue on the Lake Chad Basin, the Regional Representative for West Africa for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), Liz Kpam Ahua, maintained that even though Boko Haram may not be occupying any local government, fresh spontaneous attacks and unexplored (IEDs) from the Islamic extremists group still pose serious threats to the returnees.

    The Regional Coordinator of the Central Africa Republic and Nigeria Situations further said that: “I have the honor on behalf of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees as well as the agencies that are here assembled from various countries within and outside of the region to express our sincere thanks to the government of the federal republic of Nigeria for hosting and making this event possible.

    “Permit also to join my voice to the ministry of Interior to welcome delegates drawn from headquarters and various councils of operations to Nigeria for this very important function. The Regional Protection Dialogue on the Lake Chad Basin within the context of the High Commissioners’ work for the protection of refugees, assistance to IDPs and other persons of concern is the first of its kind in this region, coming at a very critical time.

    “The Lake Chad Basin today faces a fundamental protection crisis in Nigeria and across the neighboring states. The Boko Haram insurgency and the spill over in Cameroon, Niger and Chad has led the loss of thousands of lives and massive displacement of over 2.7 million people in the region and affected the lives over 20 million persons in the countries.

    “Even as at today, it is feared that another 50,000 persons have been dislocated from their homes in a town in Niger following an attack that took place on that town on Friday June 3. The numbers in Niger will certainly swell to 180,000 IDPs while Cameroon and Chad are reported to be hosting over 160,000 and 54,000 IDPs respectively.

    “It is important to note that around 60 per cent of the affected population is children and we insist on that. Among these affected children we have 20,000 unaccompanied. Many of them are living in areas where the humanitarian and civilian government actors have limited access to help them because of insecurity.

    In Nigeria alone, 3.5 million IDPs and host communities live in areas of Borno and Yobe states that are still largely inaccessible to humanitarian actors. We take note and rejoice on the successes achieved by the military operations that have brought back a number of areas in the northeastern Nigeria occupied by Boko Haram under government control as well as the capacity of the insurgence to engage militarily.

    “However, these have not fully degraded the capacity for the harassment, the maiming and killing of the defenseless civilians. Consequently, conditions of live in the northeast are not yet fully conducive for the return of Nigerian refugees and IDPs particularly in Borno State.

    “We note that there are returns that are taking place even as we talk today, but I will simply would want to underscore that the conditions are not fully ripe yet because we still have persistent threats from Boko Haram, presence of mines, unexploded Improvised devices as well as absence of some basic services. All of these put acute humanitarian and protection risks for the populations affected. We have visited these areas and we know precisely of what we are saying,” she added.

    The permanent secretary for the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Bassey Okon Ekpanyung, reiterated that the federal government has deplored several police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel to the reclaimed communities.

    “The Ministry of Interior working in close collaboration with relevant institutions is currently in the process of re-establishing civil authority in the liberated areas to free more military personnel to engage the insurgent group. The Nigeria police and NSCDC already have significant presence in the affected towns, while the other agencies will follow suit,” he noted.