ECOWAS, UNHCR Seeks Collaboration for Implementation of Durable Solutions to Forced Displacement
Omiete Blessing
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in collaboration with the Permanent Representative Council (PRC) for effective implementation of durable solutions to forced displacement in West Africa region.
This as collaborators have unveiled a significant initiative to enhance protection and support for refugees and displaced persons across the region.
The initiative was launched during the Two-day Ambassadors’ Retreat, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.
The retreat’s primary aim was to address the complex humanitarian needs arising from displacement within the region, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and mobilise resources to implement effective solutions for the protection and well-being of affected populations.
In her remarks, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Prof Fatou Sarr, underscored the significance of collective efforts in achieving the common objectives of all stakeholders.
She noted the substantial contributions of partners towards the success of various initiatives to sustainable solutions for the protection and the well-being of displaced population.
Prof Sarr reinstated ECOWAS’ sustained commitment to finding durable solutions to issues of displacement in West Africa. She disclosed that the commission has provided $9million in 2024 to support the plight of Persons of Concerns (PoCs) in Member States.
On his part, the Deputy Director of the UNHCR Regional Bureau for Africa, Mr Xavier Creach, expressed gratitude for the valuable assistance and cooperation in addressing the needs of refugees, stateless persons, and displaced populations in the ECOWAS region.
Mr Creach expressed his gratitude for the dedication and financial support provided by the ECOWAS Commission and acknowledged the warm reception and support demonstrated by the ECOWAS community, notwithstanding the persistent obstacles posed by instability and insecurity.
He underscored the critical need for additional financial resources to effectively attend to the needs of the impacted population and communities.
Also speaking, the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to ECOWAS and Chair of ECOWAS PRC, Amb Musa Nuhu, highlighted the significance of political will and dedication within the region in addressing the difficulties experienced by refugees and other displaced population.
Nuhu emphasised the importance of utilising a combination of national and international legal frameworks to safeguard human rights and tackle humanitarian concerns.
He stressed the importance of the PRC in advocacy and sensitization in Member States and expressed his appreciation to the UNHCR and ECOWAS their dedicated work in this area.
“ECOWAS and UNHCR aim to strengthen their collaboration with the ECOWAS Permanent Representative Council (PRC) to achieve the effective implementation of durable solutions to forced displacements in the West African region.
“This initiative underscores the commitment to improving the protection space for refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and stateless persons, and unlocking solutions to forced displacements in the region.
“The collaboration between ECOWAS, UNHCR, and other stakeholders has been instrumental in addressing the humanitarian needs of refugees and displaced populations in West Africa”, Nuhu added.