World Refugee Day harps on equality

Adeze Ojukwu

This year's World Refugee Day(WRD), is focussed on equality for all persons, fleeing their countries for protection and survival.

In a statement to mark the date, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees(UNHCR), Goodwill Ambassador Ben Stiller called for “equal treatment of refugees, whoever, wherever, whenever.”

“Protecting people forced to flee is a collective global responsibility. We have to remember this could happen to anyone, anywhere.”

In recent years, the number of refugees across countries and continents has increased due to natural disasters, social, political, economic and religious factors.

Therefore, it is quite crucial for the UN and world leaders to seriously, address the underlying circumstances, that push people to flee their nations.

In Nigeria for instance, Book Haram has forced many citizens, in the north to flee to o Cameroon and Niger, due to attacks by this deadly group.

UN refugee agency (UNHCR) report, revealed that nearly 6,000 people fled the northern parts of Nigeria due to the activities of Boko Haram to neighbouring Cameroon and Niger in the past 10 days.”

“We continue to urge states in the region to keep their borders open for Nigerians who are fleeing their country and may need international protection.”

States of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe have been under state-of-emergency since May 2013 as the army fights Boko Haram insurgents.

“Of the more than 4,000, who fled to Cameroon since mid-January, most are in the Logone-et-Chari area of Far North Region.

“With this new influx, there are now 12,428 Nigerian refugees in Cameroon, according to local Cameroonian authorities. Of that number 2,183 have so far been moved to a UNHCR camp at Minawao, 130 kilometres further inland.

Meanwhile, about 77,000 Cameroonian refugee men, women, and children were registered in Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Enugu, and Taraba States.

About 18,000 refugees received cash assistance from UNHCR to purchase food of their choice in Benue and Cross River States (CRS).

UNHCR, stated this as refugees, locals, and partners marked International Women’s Day, in Akwa Ibom, Benue, Cross River, and the Taraba States.

“On 8 March, UNHCR, together with refugees, locals, government officials, and partners commemorated International Women’s Day in Akwa Ibom, Benue, Cross River, and Taraba (ABCT) States.”

UNHCR is largely, focused on the impact of climate change on refugees and internally displaced people, particularly women and girls, recognizing their contributions to sustainable initiatives, climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response to build a more sustainable future for all.

However other political and economic factors, behind the refugee crises need to be tackled, with great commitment and urgency.

.Ojukwu is a Fellow of Hubert H Humphrey Fellowship, publisher, editor and advocate for improved socio-economic services for all citizens, as well as, the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGS).
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