PH
A United Nations envoy has appealed for funds from the international community to cushion more than 9 million people affected by the Boko Haram-related conflict across the Lake Chad Basin.
Over 75 percent of the victims are in Nigeria, where the terror group emerges from.
Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O’Brien, noted aid agencies in Nigeria had appealed for US$248 million for 2016 but only $43 million had been received.
“Investing in humanitarian action now is the best way to spend to save for the future. This is the best way to invest in the people of Nigeria, and to save lives and livelihoods today and tomorrow,” O’Brine said.
He spoke at the completion of a visit to areas affected by the crisis.
As he departed for the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, Turkey, O’Brien called on global leaders to share the responsibility to prevent and end conflict, and to support countries hosting people forced into displacement.
“It’s not enough to deliver aid today. We must end need tomorrow, as well,” he said.
“To stop Boko Haram and to protect women and children we must first recognize that deradicalization is an essential part of humanitarian work, and part of the platform to effective development.”
The Boko Haram has killed more than 20 000 people and displaced over 3 million.
