The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has highlighted the plight of 3.7 million forcibly displaced people in Nigeria, stressing the urgent need to accelerate sustainable solutions for them.
According to the UN, over 3 percent of the world's 120 million forcibly displaced people are Nigerians -- more than 3.6 million of whom are displaced within their own country. This displacement is driven by conflicts instigated by non-state armed groups and communal clashes exacerbated by scarce resources.
"The number of internally displaced people (IDPs) has been gradually increasing and many continue to rely heavily on humanitarian assistance," stated a UN press release published on August 16.
A visit of top UNHCR officials to Nigeria focused on finding "sustainable solutions" to this forgotten crisis by "emphasizing a whole-of-society approach led by the government and harnessing the expertise of diverse actors including the UN, other development partners, member states and the private sector," it added.
"We cannot watch this protracted situation endure, with families dependent on assistance year after year," said Raouf Mazou, UNHCR's Assistant High Commissioner for Operations.
"Refugees and IDPs have repeatedly told us that they would prefer a job rather than be given a handout. In the town of Banki, I met men and women who have returned home and are ready to rebuild their lives. We hear them and are helping to build livelihood opportunities."
Also read: World's neglect leads to greater suffering for displaced people
Jobs and access to services key
By the UN's definition, sustainable programming means supporting the government, helping displaced communities get back to work, and ensuring they have access to government services including social safety net programs. It also includes working closely with the private sector to create value chains, setting up innovative financial instruments to encourage investments in communities at risk, and more.
"UNHCR is already working with the government to help displaced communities farm thousands of hectares of land, develop irrigation systems, tackle food security and increase rural employment," the press release stated.
During the five-day visit, the delegation traveled to Benue State in the north-central region and Borno State in the northeast, where they met with returnees from Cameroon. Over 30,000 people have reportedly returned since the start of the year, with the intention of including them in social and economic inclusion activities.
Also read: 75.9 million people living in internal displacement, IDMC report
UNHCR and government must work together
"Solutions are the highest form of protection," said Ruven Menikdiwela, UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection. "This requires humanitarian, development and peace partners to work together."
UNHCR Representative in Nigeria, Arjun Jain added "While UNHCR in Nigeria is always prepared to respond to humanitarian emergencies, we will be catalytic in supporting the government to find solutions to forced displacement in line with our responsibility for protection and solutions."
The Assistant High Commissioners were joined by UNHCR's Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Abdouraouf Gnon-Konde.