UN: Boko Haram has triggered a humanitarian crisis

The unprecedented increase in violent attacks by Boko Haram since 2009 has triggered a humanitarian crisis that needs to be checked, says Chaloka Beyani,UN special rapporteur.

The rapporteur, in a statement issued by Lucky Musonda, communication specialist of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), said the humanitarian crisis in the country posed a challenge to the Nigerian government.

“The challenges confronting Nigeria and its government are considerable and cannot be overstated,” the rapporteur said.

“The north-east part of the country has witnessed an unprecedented increase in violence and the escalation of attacks by Boko Haran since 2009.

“The attacks have forced the displacement of more than two million people from their homes and triggered a humanitarian crisis.”

He said the crisis will cause him to travel to Nigeria from August 23 to August 26 in order to examine the situation and human rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the country.

Beyani said his visit would afford him the opportunity of getting information about the humanitarian situation in the country with a view to proffering sustainable solutions.

“I will gather information on situations of internal displacement including both new and protracted displacement,” he said.

“I will also examine the legal, policy and institutional frameworks in place for prevention of displacement, protection and assistance for internally displaced persons, and recovery.”

The rapporteur would, during his four-day visit in Abuja, consult with senior government officials as well as a wide range of other national and international partners.

This is with a view to examining the ongoing responses and challenges, and assisting them to meet their obligations towards the IDPs and to support durable solutions for them.

Beyani would also visit IDPs camps in the north-east and hear from the IDPs and representatives of host communities’ first-hand to learn about their needs, challenges and expectations.

At the end of his visit on Friday, Beyani will share his preliminary observations with the media at a press conference at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

He added that the Special Rapporteur would subsequently produce a comprehensive report and recommendations based on his visit for presentation to the Human Rights Council in June 2017.