Aid for Nigerian refugees

As armed conflict and disaster in Nigeria continue to escalate, UNHCR and its 16 partners present the Nigeria Regional Refugee Response Plan. According to a UNHCR news story posted Tuesday, Sept. 16, this plan aims to provide immediate protection and life-saving assistance to the tens of thousands of Nigerians who have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in the neighboring countries of Cameroon, Chad and Niger.

Since 2011, Nigerian insurgents have been violently attacking civilian populations in the northeastern Nigerian states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. As of July 31, 2014, these armed attacks have resulted in over 3,700 civilian deaths, 646,693 internally displaced persons and 71,034 refugees.

Those affected have been traumatized by the ongoing violence. The insurgents have stolen their possessions, burned their houses and killed their loved ones. According to refugee reports, “a group of 40 to 60 armed men arrived in their village on motorbikes, telling villagers to embrace a more radical Islam and join their ranks, threatening to kill them.”

With the influx of refugees crossing the border into Cameroon, Chad and Niger, basic necessities are growing scarce and host communities are struggling to provide adequate accommodations. These communities require assistance in the areas of food security, protection, shelter, health care, clean water, sanitation and hygiene and nutrition.

The strategy for the proposed response plan is to ensure the protection of refugees — and their rights — as they seek asylum and try to rebuild their lives.

About UNHCR

UNHCR, also known as the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its purpose is to safeguard the rights and well being of refugees by providing protection, life-saving assistance and durable solutions. The agency currently works in 125 countries and helps around 33.9 million persons restart their lives.

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Sept. 25, 2014