The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq has reiterated Federal government’s commitment towards the protection of Humanitarian aids workers in the country.
The Minister stated this during the virtual joint press briefing on the World Humanitarian Day and 1st anniversary of the Ministry.
Farouq said the Commemoration of the World Humanitarian Day (WHD) held on the 19th of August, annually is focused on increasing public awareness about humanitarian services worldwide.
“In Nigeria this day provides an opportunity for sober reflection on the humanitarian challenges in the country and also to acknowledge and celebrate those who put themselves at risk or may have lost their lives in services to humanity.
“The uniqueness of this year’s World Humanitarian Day (WHD) is reflected in the global theme “#RealLifeHeroes”, and in Nigeria it coincides with the activities marking the first anniversary of the creation of the Ministry” the Minister said.
She said as we mark this day and the Ministry’s first anniversary let us remember the Real-life heroes, that we have lost in the service to humanity. Our prayer is with their families and loved ones.
“I assure the Humanitarian community that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs Disaster Management and Social Development, will continue to do everything possible to see that the protection of Humanitarian aids workers is of paramount priority, therefore we will do everything possible to protect their lives and rights as enshrined in the Humanitarian laws.
The Minister while commending the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Bhuari for the creation of the Ministry said that this has placed Nigeria in an advantageous position to tackle the challenges and vulnerabilities that emerged due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, adding that the pandemic created humanitarian needs and tested the capacity of Nigeria and indeed, the entire world, to respond to disasters.
The Minister also stated that the Ministry will officially be a year old on Thursday 21st August, 2020, adding that the past months have been eventful, interesting and challenging. Despite the often demanding situations, the Ministry and its agencies have provided humanitarian interventions and proactively developed structures to prevent and mitigate disaster while building socio-economic resilience through the evolution of inclusive social safety net programmes.
“A special commendation goes to our partners in the humanitarian sector, UNOCHA, World Bank, World Food Programme, UNICEF, DFID, USAID, ECOWAS and the EU, as well as my colleagues in the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, all health sectors and many other local and international partners who continue to provide humanitarian assistance at great personal cost” Farouq said.
The Representative of the UN Resident Humanitarian Coordinator and Head of UNOCHA, Trond Jensen, congratulated the Minister on its 1st anniversary, adding that the establishment of the Ministry was very bold, strategic and forward looking. He said that the functions of the Ministry brings together all strands of humanitarian and social activities, and this is a great opportunity for the humanitarian workspace. He also expressed his gratitude to the Minister and the staff of the Ministry for the good working relationship and support which the humanitarian community enjoys.
He disclosed that due to the disregard of Humanitarian laws about 725 aid workers have been killed globally which many of this aid workers are from Nigeria. He stated that renewed ethics must be made to protect civilians as well as aid workers who have chosen to put the wellbeing of others ahead of their own despite the life threatening challenges they encounter at the cause of their service to humanity.
Other dignitaries present at the press briefing were the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Grema Ali Alhaji, the representative of and the ECOWAS Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Alozie Ameachi, the UNHCR Resident Representative, Mrs Chansa Kapaya, the Head of mission of the IOM, Franz Celestian, the Honourable Federal Commissioner for NCFRMI, Sen. Bashir Mohammed, Director General of NEMA, AVM MA Muhammed (Rtd.), the Director General of NAPTIP, Julie Okah Dali, the Managing Director of NEDC, Alhaji Mohammed G. Alhaji and Representative of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs,
Rhoda Ishaku Iliya
Deputy Director Information
August 19, 2020.
