Nigeria – Emergency Response – ICRC 2015

The intensification of the conflict between Boko Haram and Nigerian armed forces since 2014 has led to massive displacement in northeastern Nigeria as well as a substantial outflux of refugees to neighbouring countries. As of October 2015 nearly 2.2 million people are internally displaced and more than 160 000 are taking refuge in Niger Chad and Cameroon. The combination of significant humanitarian needs and constrained access for humanitarian actors due to the violence has made the humanitarian situation in Nigeria particularly severe. With DFATD’s support the ICRC is helping to protect and assist those affected by the conflict. Project activities include: (1) providing comprehensive support to primary health care facilities as well as trauma surgery services; (2) providing food assistance; (3) providing access to water hygiene and sanitation services; (4) tracing and reuniting separated children with their families; (5) providing agricultural inputs and training; and (6) maintaining a dialogue with authorities and armed groups regarding their legal obligations under international humanitarian law.

The expected immediate outcomes for this project include: (1) improved access to both basic health and trauma services; (2) increased access to food assistance; (3) improved access to water hygiene and sanitation services; (4) improved identification and reunification of children that have been separated from their families; (5) enhanced support for the restoration of livelihoods; and (6) improved protection of conflict-affected populations through the promotion of international humanitarian law. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.