The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and a faith-based organisation, Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, have launched the Ramadan Campaign to raise N1bn annually from zakat collection and sadaqah contribution to improve the living conditions of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria.
Unveiling the campaign to the general public in Abuja yesterday ahead of the forthcoming Ramadan fasting, UNHCR representative in Nigeria, Mohamed Rahmathullah, said the campaign becomes necessary in view of increasing levels of internal displacement in the country.
He said 3.2 million people are internally displaced currently in Nigeria and that the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is chronically underfunded to fulfil its international obligations to provide international protection assistance and solutions to refugees.
According to him, UNHCR has only received 8% out of the $107 million its need in 2024 to support the various populations of concern.