UN office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs(OCHA) commemorates the World Humanitarian Day
…… says protecting those help save lives is crucial
….. humanitarian financing is collapsing…..
By NWANKWO UJUNWA
In an event to commemorate the world humanitarian day 2025. Key decision- makers from the government, diplomatic corps, national and international NGOs, civil society and other partners converged at United Nations House in Abuja to reflect on humanitarian challenges and reaffirm collective action with the theme “Act for Humanity”.
The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Malick Fall in his speech appreciated and honored the ultimate sacrifice of humanitarians and pointed out that this year’s theme is a call to action-for both individuals and governments demanding accountability and protection of humanitarian workers plus the civilians they serve.
He stated that humanitarianism is under serious attack and is glaringly underfunded globally- health care and civilian facilities are been attacked and last year 2024 been the highest number of aid workers casualties in decades.
Mr.Falls said humanitarian financing is collapsing despite the growing needs.
According him, In Nigeria, an estimated 3.5million children under five were estimated to suffer from severe acute malnutrition this year because of limited resources-only 1million of these children are likely to receive the life-changing treatment they deserve, putting 2.5million children under five at increased risk of sickness and death.
“In other words, if urgent action is not taken,400.000 of these children will die”.
He urged the stakeholders especially the federal, state and local government level to act swiftly and provide funding for food and nutrition services so as to scourge of food insecurity and restore hope to millions of children and families in Nigeria.
The Honorable Minister of state, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction (FMHAPR), Dr.Tanko Yusuf Sununu while addressing humanitarians urged that international humanitarian law is upheld and protection provided to all those affected by conflict and disaster.
He emphasized that this year’s World Humanitarian Day comes at a time when global solidarity with people in humanitarian need is at its lowest ebb thereby collapsing international humanitarian financing.
He explained that estimated 3.1million people are food security insecure, over 10million children under five are acutely malnourished, while 3.5million are severely malnourished-2.5million of these in six states of Nigeria.
He asserted that the government of Nigeria, together with humanitarian partners will do its utmost to mobilize resources for the ongoing food and nutrition crisis.
Dr.Tanko said that the government of Nigeria will equally ensure that humanitarian partners are able to work in accordance with humanitarian principles in the conflict areas.
