World Humanitarian Day: FG Demands End To Attacks On Frontline Workers, Health Facilities

The Federal Government on Monday called for a safe and supportive environment for all humanitarian aid and frontline workers deployed to volatile areas across the country.

The federal government while speaking on the annual commemoration of World Humanitarian Day, set aside for August 19, acknowledged the work and the risks faced by humanitarian workers around the world.

In 2023, the number of aid workers killed doubled in two years, from 118 in 2022 to 261 in 2023, according to the Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

No fewer than 78 aid workers were kidnapped and 196 wounded worldwide, that same year.

According to data collected by the Aid Worker Security Database (AWSD), 179 aid workers suffered attacks in Nigeria, ranging from kidnapping to shooting, bodily assault, explosions, and aerial bombardments between 2011 and 2024.

In a commemorative message shared via her X handle, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar emphasised this year’s theme titled #ActForHumanity.

She stressed the collective action needed to protect humanitarian workers who are attacked while providing critical assistance to vulnerable populations.

She said, “The global goal of this year’s celebration is to increase advocacies to confront the normalisation of these attacks on humanitarian workers, civilian suffering, and impunity in violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and other international conventions.

“In NEMA, we join the call on World leaders to ‘Act For Humanity’ by building public pressure to mobilise Member States and non-state actors to ensure the protection of humanitarian workers and civilians, harnessing our collective public outrage to demand accountability for violations of IHL and other international norms.

“Indeed, it is our stand that while the world is experiencing the deadliest record of attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers in unconscionable numbers, the perpetrators should not be allowed to evade justice.

“While commending our staff and all humanitarian workers across Nigeria who have continued to risk their lives in providing lifesaving assistance to those affected by disasters, our special tribute goes to our fallen heroes who lost their lives and those kidnapped, suffered injuries and were exposed to high degrees of danger in the line of duties.”

The Federal Ministry of Health also buttressed the impact of violent attacks on the nation’s healthcare system.

These attacks, it noted, displace healthcare workers and destroy essential services, bringing to ruin, hospitals, clinics and health centres as they are frequently targeted.

The Health Ministry also said that attacks on health workers lead to Intimidation of patients as fear of violence prevents people from seeking necessary medical treatment.

It further stated that attacks on healthcare infrastructure can exacerbate humanitarian crises, leading to increased morbidity and mortality.

The ministry, however, pledged its commitment to a safer and healthier nation through sustainable collaboration with security agencies to improve the protection of healthcare facilities and personnel.

It pledged to provide essential healthcare services to those affected by conflict and displacement while working with international and local partners to ensure safe and unimpeded access to healthcare in conflict-affected areas.

The Ministry also noted its commitment to promote peace and reconciliation by supporting efforts of government at all levels to address the root causes of violence and build a more peaceful society.

On its call to action, the ministry of health asked that the populace act for humanity. It urged all stakeholders to join the Ministry in advocating for a safe and supportive environment for healthcare workers and patients.

“Together, we can build a healthier and more resilient Nigeria. Let’s end attacks on healthcare facilities and healthcare workers now,” the Ministry said.