The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have joined forces to strengthen their efforts in protecting refugees, stateless individuals, and internally displaced persons in the region. This momentous partnership was solidified through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ECOWAS Commission President, Omar Touray, and UNHCR Regional Bureau Director for West and Central Africa, Abdouraouf Gnon-Konde, in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.
Gnon-Konde hailed the collaboration between UNHCR and ECOWAS as enduring, fruitful, and significant given the prevailing humanitarian challenges in the subregion. This partnership serves as a testament to the commitment these two entities have in addressing the needs and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable populations.
Dr. Touray emphasized the profound dedication of the commission and its member states towards resolving the root causes of conflicts in the region through diplomatic and political means. He expressed optimism that the persistent commitment demonstrated by the commission in these areas would yield positive outcomes, implicating a potential reduction of conflicts leading to forced displacement.
According to UNHCR, West Africa has witnessed an alarming number of individuals forcibly displaced by conflicts and violence, evidenced by a staggering 6,976,470 affected individuals. Amongst them, 6,352,346 are internally displaced persons (IDPs), and 624,124 are refugees and asylum-seekers. Nigeria and Burkina Faso bear the brunt of this crisis, with the highest populations of displaced individuals in the region, hosting 5,641,530 individuals.
Conflicts and insecurity are identified as the primary drivers of displacement in West Africa. Violent conflicts, disasters, and insecurity continue to push people out of their homes within and beyond the subregion. Consequently, the ECOWAS subregion currently harbors 6,976,470 forcibly displaced individuals and stateless persons, a critical circumstance that demands urgent attention.
Of the affected countries in West Africa, Niger serves as the host for the highest number of refugee populations, accommodating 325,419 individuals. This statistic serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for targeted efforts in addressing the challenges faced by refugees and asylum-seekers.
The collaboration between ECOWAS and UNHCR marks a significant step forward in strengthening the protection and assistance provided to refugees and those forcibly displaced in the region. By joining forces to tackle the root causes of displacement and improve access to essential services, these two entities are demonstrating their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals affected by conflict and violence. With this formidable partnership, there is hope for a brighter future for West Africa, where the rights and dignity of every individual are upheld and safeguarded.
