From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
Save the Children International, a non-governmental organisation, NGO, has urged governments to translate policies into concrete results, ensure safer shelters, restored livelihoods, access to education, and protection of services for every displaced child and family.
Deputy Country Director, Save the Children International, Jane Mbagi Mútua who made the call at the launch of the Benue Policy on IDPs held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi on Tuesday also called on government agencies, development partners, civil society and community leaders to work together to ensure that this policy moves beyond paper to action.
She noted that the Benue State IDP Policy is not just a policy event; it is a bold step toward restoring dignity, safety and rights for thousands of children and families who have been displaced.
Said she, “Save the Children exists to ensure children survive – no child dies before their 5th birthday from preventable causes; children learn – learn from a quality basic education; children are protected – violence against children is no longer tolerated – irrespective of the circumstances the children find themselves in.
“The safety and well-being of children is our highest priority. We know that with displacement comes disruption, disruptions of homes, schools, health, and dreams. That is why we are especially grateful to the Benue State Government for this laudable action to domesticate the National IDP Policy and for allowing Save the Children to walk this journey with you.
“Save the Children is pleased to have supported the development of this policy through technical and financial assistance and remains committed to working with the government and communities till every Nigerian child can learn in safety and is protected.
“In Benue State, Save the Children is supporting IDPs with cash assistance to enable them meet urgent needs and begin rebuilding their livelihoods, as WASH and child protection services. In addition, Save the Children is also working closely with communities to reduce the risk of displacement due to flooding through the Flood Anticipation Capacity Enhancement Project and the Strengthening Anticipatory Action in Nigeria initiative.
“Since our founding over 100 years ago, Save the Children has been committed to ensuring that every child’s rights are recognised and protected. We listen to children, their families, and communities, and partner with governments and international organisations to champion children’s rights.
“As we gathered, the children and families of Benue State are counting on us to make this policy a reality through full implementation, adequate resourcing, and continuous monitoring.
” We look forward to continued partnership with the Benue State government.
In his speech, Governo Hyacinth Alia who was represented by his Deputy Sam Ode said the policy, developed with the financial support of Save the Children International is the fourth strategic document under our Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, following the Operational Framework, the Durable Solutions Action Plan, and the Implementation Guidelines, adding that together, these provide us with a coordinated roadmap from emergency aid to durable, people-centered solutions.
While recalling his pledge on assumption of office two years ago to ensure that displaced families return home, rebuild their lives, and live with dignity, the Governor said with the support of IOM, UNICEF, UNHCR, UNDP, UNFPA, Save the Children and others, progress has been made in shelter, protection, and humanitarian assistance.
Hear him, “but we know aid alone is not enough. This policy moves us from relief to recovery, from temporary support to long-term stability.
“Let me stress: this policy is not just a document. It is a social contract between Government, partners, and displaced communities to place those affected at the center of every intervention.
“At the same time, we must acknowledge the peculiarities of implementation in our policy environment. While international partners are rightly non-political, project design must still recognize the political and social dynamics of the communities it serves. I urge the Ministry and our partners to keep this reality in mind during design and implementation.
“To our displaced brothers and sisters, hear me clearly: you are not forgotten, and you are not alone. Your resilience inspires us, and your future is at the heart of this policy and our Durable Solutions Action Plan..
“Together, let us transform this policy into action, restore dignity, and give our IDPs the chance to return home, rebuild and thrive once again” .
Benue State Commissioner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management Aondowase Kunde reaffirmed the resolve of the State to uphold global best practices for IDPS, maintaining that the strategic policy by SCI is meant to deveop Benue multi sectoral need assessment.
Kunde said coordination is key as well as synergy, averring that the State is taking decisive steps to give hope to thousands of IDPs in the State.
“The policy will serve as a true doc for a safer and resistant Benue” .
