The conflict in north-east Nigeria continues to exact a terrible toll on vulnerable populations, with women and girls suffering the worst effects of the crisis. Amidst the ongoing conflict, the safety and security of civilians and humanitarian workers must be ensured so that life-saving assistance can reach those in need without delay”. This statement was made on Wednesday evening at the Canadian embassy in Nigeria by the acting High Commissioner of Canada in Nigeria, H.E Mr. Nicolas Simard.
Canada Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau
According to the acting high commissioner the Canadian government is providing $26.95 million in new humanitarian assistance funding to help meet the basic needs of conflict-affected populations” in North-east Nigeria.The funding will help provide food assistance, treatment for acute malnutrition and other critical health care, safe water and sanitation, and protection services.
The funding is targeted on supporting gender-responsive humanitarian action, recognizing that women and girls continue to be disproportionately affected by the ongoing conflict.
READ ALSO: EXCLUSIVE: Severance package tears Ex-council officers, Oyetola apart in Osun
This includes improving access to sexual and reproductive health care, preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence, and supporting the leadership, participation, and decision-making of women and girls in humanitarian action.
It was stated that the assistance offered by the Canadian government is being provided through experienced humanitarian partners, including UN agencies, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and non-governmental organizations.
Also the UN Food and Agriculture Organization is to receive fresh $5.5 million as a compliment from the Canadian humanitarian support to help conflict and pandemic-affected households in the north-east regain and strengthen their livelihoods. This funding aims to help restore the self-sufficiency and resilience of affected communities, with a focus on women’s empowerment.
(Naturenex)
