By Longtong Ibrahim
Kaduna (Nigeria) – Women Peace and Security Network (WPSN) has appealed to Nigerian government and other relevant stakeholders to assist Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in various states of the country to alleviate some of their sufferings.
At a press briefing In Kaduna, northern nigeria, to commemorate the 2015 World Refugee Day, the group noted that the internally displace persons need love and support from all Nigerians in their trying moment.
Chairperson of the group, Hajiya Amina Kazaure, said WPSN in one of its pillars of ‘protection’ has identified the provision of humanitarian services including relief material to women and girls in the state, pointing out that, the group would be supporting 300 IDPs in Kaduna, with food and non-food items; saying, “With courage, let us all combine and give the best we can to the IDPs.”
She stated that, with hope, the little they are offering could go a long way in meeting some of their needs, which includes shelter, health care, accommodation, feeding, love, education of their children and psycho-social support.
Kazaure pointed out that, when those needs are not met, their minds [especially those of youth] becomes idle and they could be involved in some form of social vices which could constitute threats to the society.
She further explained that the world Refugee day is commemorated in compliance with the United Nations General Assembly resolution 55/76 adopted on 4th Dec. 2000; noting that in 2001, when it marked the 50thanniversary of the 1951 convention relating to the states of Refugees and that OAU agreed to have international Refugee Day which also coincided with the African Refugee Day on 20th June.
The chairperson added that, the group is a component of NSRP, whose aim is to reduce violent conflict in Nigeria; provide support to Nigerian stakeholders to better manage conflict resulting in wealth creation, service delivery and poverty reduction. “The program is funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and implemented by the British Council with international Alert and Social Development Direct,” she said.
Hajiya Kazaure said, the NSRP with support from the federal ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development have lunched the National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace and Security drawn out of the UNSCR 1325 that seeks to address the plight of women and girls in and out of crisis situations.
“The resolution was adopted on 31 October 2000. The resolution reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peace- building, peace keeping, humanitarians response and in post conflict reconstruction and stresses the importance of their equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security among others.”
“The NAP, if implemented, will mitigate the disproportionate impact of violent conflict on women and girls and their knowledge and experience to resolve conflict and build peace. This will transform the lives of women and girls and greatly improve the prospects for peace and security throughout the country. NAP consists of five pillars; Prevention, Protection, Participation, Promotion, and Prosecution,” she added.
While commemorating the 2015 refugee day, she said the UN secretary General, Ban Ki- moon had this to say, “On this World Refugee Day, let remember the plight of the millions of people worldwide who have been forced to flee their homes as a result of conflict and persecution. At the end of 2014, 59.5 million persons – the highest number on record were forcibly displaced around the globe. This means that one in every 122 human beings today is either a refugee, internally displaced or is seeking asylum”.
Describing the refugees as people like anyone else, ban Ki Moon added that, “They led ordinary lives by becoming displaced, and their biggest dream is to be able to live normally again. On this World Refugee Day, let us recall our common humanity, celebrate tolerance and diversity and open our hearts to refugees everywhere”.
