UNHCR, ECOWAS, NCFRMI Advocate Support For Refugees

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) have called for renewed efforts to support and include refugees in society.

In her speech during the occasion of the 2023 World Refugee Day, which aimed to celebrate the resilience and strength of refugees worldwide yesterday in Abuja Federal Commissioner, NCFRMI, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, highlighted the challenges faced by refugees forced to leave their homes due to circumstances beyond their control.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasised that refugees are not merely survivors but valuable members of the global community, deserving of support and inclusion.

With a call to action, the federal commissioner stressed the collective responsibility to unlock the full potential of refugees and empower them to rebuild their lives. He emphasized the need to remove barriers and open doors for their integration and inclusion, transforming the refugee experience into one of hope and resilience.

The commissioner announced that Nigeria has commenced the process of reviewing the National Migration Policy, with a specific focus on the inclusion of refugees.

Also, the director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs at the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, noted the challenges faced by the ECOWAS region and the commitment to support refugees and displaced persons.

Ugbe highlighted the significance of World Refugee Day, designated by the United Nations to honor refugees worldwide and celebrate their strength and courage.

On her part, a representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Ms. Chansa Kapaya, reiterated the importance of inclusion, solidarity, and solutions for refugees worldwide.

Under the theme “Hope away from Home: A world where refugees are always included,” Kapaya highlighted the urgent need for action to address the challenges faced by the 35 million refugees who find themselves in a state of uncertainty.