YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon, May 13 (UNHCR) – More than three quarters (76 per cent) of the tens of thousands of Nigerian refugees in northern Cameroon want to return home amid an improving security situation in areas of north-east Nigeria, according to a survey by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.

But the survey, conducted earlier this month in Cameroon's Minawao camp, showed that those who want to return are still concerned about conditions in their towns and villages of origin. And while 45 per cent of them wish to return home immediately, 38 per cent want to wait and see how the security situation evolves.

UNHCR shares these concerns and stresses that all returns should be voluntary and that people should not be sent back to areas of insecurity and widespread destruction where their lives would be more difficult and fraught with dangers. At the same time UNHCR urges governments to keep their doors open to people fleeing conflict.

UNHCR staff interviewed 7,939 of the 56,783 refugees in Minawao camp, or 14 per cent. (There are almost 65,000 Nigerian refugees in Cameroon). More than half were women (54 per cent), reflecting the camp demographic, and about half are 35 years or older. Some 44 per cent said they had access to information about their home areas through their phone, new arrivals, family and friends, media and the internet.

Those wishing to return cited concerns about living conditions, provision of basic services and damage to homes and infrastructure, including schools and health centres. Lucas, who arrived in Minawao in August 2014 after fleeing Gwoza in Nigeria's Borno state, said he dreams of reuniting with relatives in Nigeria.

He said most refugees shared this desire, but added: "Our villages have been totally destroyed and the security situation remains uncertain. We lost all our properties and if we have to return we will need support from our government to rebuild our lives."

He and others called for reconstruction programmes, aid packages, livelihood projects and deployment of the armed forces to ensure security. Of those not wanting to return, 59 per cent said they had no financial resources, while 8 percent said they had nothing to return to.

Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari and Cameroon's President Paul Biya met last week in Abuja and discussed the return of Nigerian refugees under a planned tripartite agreement with UNHCR. They agreed that this should be convened by July and aim to forge a framework for the safe return of refugees.

Returns from Cameroon have been a sensitive issue in the past, with UNHCR unable to gain access to more than 20,000 people sent back to Nigeria since 2015 from the militarized Lake Chad area to ensure they were returning willingly.

UNHCR says returns must be voluntary and both governments should take the concerns of refugees and internally displaced people seriously. UNHCR remains ready to work closely with the two countries to guarantee the rights of refugees to voluntary return in safety and dignity and to speed up reintegration projects.

Over the past year, the governments of Nigeria and Cameroon have pushed back Boko Haram insurgents in north-east Nigeria and northern Cameroon, bringing greater security in some areas. But the insurgency remains a major threat to peace in the region.

The conflict has forced more than 200,000 people to flee to Cameroon, Chad and Niger following attacks on their villages in Nigeria's Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. The conflict has since 2014 spilled over into Cameroon, where some 170,000 Cameroonians are internally displaced in the north.

En 2015 le CICR a poursuivi son soutien pour l'amélioration des conditions de détention des personnes privées de libertés. Voici un compte rendu des activités déployées, entre autres les programmes, du rétablissement des liens familiaux, d'accès à l'eau potable et aux soins de santé, de protection et d'assistance aux détenus, de promotion du droit international humanitaire et des principes humanitaires, du soutien au Croissant-Rouge Mauritanien.

Voici un aperçu de l'action du CICR en Mauritanie en 2015 :

• 300 000 personnes ont eu accès à l'eau potable grâce à la réhabilitation/renforcement de 2 stations de pompage d'eau et 19 bornes fontaines dans la localité de Bassikounou.

• 1 700 détenus ont été visités dans 8 lieux de détention

• Approvisionnement régulier des prisons en médicaments, consommables médicaux et produits nutritionnels.

• Dépistage nutritionnel de tous les détenus des prisons de Nouakchott, Nouadhibou, Rosso et Aleg.

• 151 messages Croix-Rouge collectés et 88 distribués principalement pour les réfugiés maliens du camp de M'Berra, 26 nouveaux dossiers de recherche de personnes ouverts en 2015, dont 15 ont abouti et 21 restent toujours ouverts, 77 secouristes et 26 formateurs formés en premiers secours par le Croissant-Rouge Mauritanien. 250 manuels de Premiers Secours produits pour les volontaires et de 13 manuels d'instructeurs pour les formateurs du CRM

WHO: Stephen O’Brien, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator

WHAT: Mission to Niger and Nigeria

WHEN: 16 – 19 May 2016

WHERE: Niamey, Abuja and field visits

The United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O’Brien, will visit Niger and Nigeria, from 16 to 19 May, to take stock of the humanitarian crisis in the Lake Chad Basin.

The crisis in the Lake Chad Basin, including Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad, has continuously deteriorated over the last two years. Insecurity, violence by Boko Haram and counter-insurgency measures have uprooted over 2.4 million people, making it the fastest growing displacement crisis in Africa. Communities in the Lake Chad Basin already struggle with the effects of climate change, environmental degradation, chronic food insecurity and malnutrition. The conflict has dramatically exacerbated their vulnerability. In the worst-affected areas, almost half the population - 9.2 million people - need assistance. More than three million of them are affected by food insecurity.

The Under-Secretary-General is scheduled to travel to Niger (16-17 May) and to Nigeria (18-19 May). He is expected to visit Diffa and Maiduguri, to meet with displaced people, their host communities, local officials and humanitarian actors.

The Emergency Relief Coordinator’s visit precedes the first World Humanitarian Summit, which will take place in Istanbul, Turkey, on 23-24 May. The Summit seeks to generate renewed focus on essential humanitarian commitments, highly relevant to the people of the region, including the need to ‘leave no one behind’ and to ‘prevent and end conflict.’

For further details of press encounters and other interview opportunities during the mission, please contact:
Herve Verhoosel, World Humanitarian Summit Secretariat, verhoosel@un.org +1 917 345 5238; Katy Thiam in Niger, thiamk@un.org , +227 99 71 71 39; Kate Pond in Nigeria, pond@un.org +234 70 67 75 48 32

QUI: Stephen O’Brien, Secrétaire général adjoint des Nations Unies aux affaires humanitaires et Coordonnateur des secours d’urgence

QUOI: Mission au Niger et au Nigéria

QUAND: 16 – 19 mai 2016

OU: Niamey, Abuja et visites de terrain

Le Secrétaire général adjoint des Nations Unies aux affaires humanitaires et Coordonnateur des secours d’urgence, Stephen O’Brien, visitera le Niger et le Nigéria du 16 au 19 mai afin de dresser un état des lieux de la crise humanitaire qui touche le bassin du lac Tchad.

La crise dans le bassin du lac Tchad, qui affecte le Niger, le Nigéria, le Cameroun et le Tchad a continué de se détériorer au cours des deux dernières années. L’insécurité, la violence liée à Boko Haram et les mesures anti-insurrectionnelles ont déplacé plus de 2.4 million de personnes et en ont fait la plus grande crise de déplacement en Afrique. Les communautés du bassin du lac Tchad sont déjà confrontées aux effets du changement climatique, à la dégradation de l’environnement, à une insécurité alimentaire chronique et à la malnutrition. Le conflit a exacerbé de manière catastrophique leur vulnérabilité. Dans les zones les plus touchées, près de la moitié de la population, 9.2 million, a besoin d’assistance. Plus de trois millions d’entre eux sont touchés par l’insécurité alimentaire.

Le Secrétaire général adjoint doit se rendre au Niger du 16 au 17 mai et au Nigéria du 18 au 19. Des visites de terrain à Diffa et Maiduguri sont prévues afin de rencontrer les personnes déplacées, leurs communautés hôtes, les autorités locales et les acteurs humanitaires.

La visite du Coordonnateur des secours d’urgences précède le premier Sommet humanitaire mondial qui se déroulera à Istanbul, en Turquie, du 23 au 24 mai. Le Sommet a pour objectif de susciter une attention renouvelée sur les engagements humanitaires essentiels qui sont extrêmement importants pour la population du bassin du lac Tchad y compris le besoin de « laisser personne derrière » et de « prévenir et mettre une fin aux conflits ».

Pour plus de détails sur les rencontres avec la presse et les autres opportunités d’entretien durant la mission, veuillez contacter:
Herve Verhoosel, Sommet humanitaire mondial, verhoosel@un.org +1 9173455238; Katy Thiam au Niger, thiamk@un.org , +227 99 71 71 39; Kate Pond au Nigéria, pond@un.org +234 70 67 75

Accountability for human rights violations and abuses should be an indispensable part of the regional response to Boko Haram, Amnesty International said today.

As world leaders meet today for the Regional Security Summit in Abuja to discuss the collective effort to defeat Boko Haram and reconstruct the Lake Chad region, Amnesty International calls on them to ensure that justice remains a priority and to increase efforts to protect civilians.

“Whether they have suffered at the hands of Boko Haram, or of the security forces who were supposed to protect them, the conflict’s thousands of victims deserve justice,” said Netsanet Belay, Amnesty International’s Research and Advocacy Director for Africa.

“Despite repeated promises, governments affected by the conflict have not adequately investigated evidence of crimes under international law and human rights abuses and violations nor taken steps to prosecute and bring to trial the suspected perpetrators. Now is the time to put those promises into action.”

While focusing on efforts at combatting Boko Haram, the Summit, the second of its kind, will also discuss measures to enhance security, deliver humanitarian assistance and plan for post-conflict reconstruction.

Since 2009, Boko Haram has killed thousands of civilians, abducted thousands more from their homes, and subjected women and girls to sexual violence. In Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger, the armed group has destroyed towns and villages, forcing more than two million people from their homes and denying them access to their livelihoods. In these countries, security forces have also committed human rights violations and crimes under international law in their fight against Boko Haram.

Amnesty International has documented extra-judicial executions, deaths in military custody, enforced disappearances, the use of torture, looting and other violations by the state security forces of Nigeria and Cameroon. Chad and Niger have also been accused of human rights violations in the context of combatting Boko Haram, including by the United Nations.

The organization is still not aware of any members of security forces in those countries who have been brought to trial for crimes committed in the context of the fight against Boko Haram. This has created a climate of impunity, while deepening the frustration of families and victims who have a right to justice

A man whose brother was killed by Nigerian security forces told Amnesty International this year:

"Justice should be done. My brother was not Boko Haram. Those who killed him should be investigated so that they will not do this again. Our family is keeping this in our hearts, it is very painful, and there is nothing we can do.”

Amnesty International calls on Governments attending the summit to develop mechanisms for accountability, and bring suspected perpetrators of crimes under international law before civilian courts in fair trials without recourse to the death penalty.

In the week of the Summit, Amnesty International published shocking revelations about the deaths of babies, among others, in Nigerian military detention centers. Evidence gathered by the organization showed that many detainees may have died from disease, hunger, dehydration, and gunshots wounds.

Public document

For more information or to request an interview please contact Amnesty International Press Office in Dakar (Senegal) on: +221776586227 sadibou.marong@amnesty.org or in London (UK) on or call: +44 (0) 7778 472 126, press@amnesty.org

To read Amnesty International work on Boko Haram atrocities and deadly security forces response see:

Boko Haram remains a deadly threat in the region despite military advances https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2015/09/boko-haram-remains-a-deadly-threat-in-the-region-despite-military-advances/ Nigeria: 'our job is to shoot, slaughter and kill': Boko Haram's reign of terror in north east Nigeria https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/afr44/3060/2015/en/ Nigeria: ‘IF YOU SEE IT, YOU WILL CRY’ LIFE AND DEATH IN GIWA BARRACKS https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/afr44/3998/2016/en/ Cameroon: Human rights under fire: attacks and violations in Cameroon’s struggle with Hoko Haram https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/afr17/1991/2015/en/ Nigeria: Stars on their shoulders: blood on their hands: war crimes committed by the Nigerian military https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/afr44/1657/2015/en/

Background:

The regional Summit will be hosted by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and will be attended by Presidents from France, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Senegal and Gabon. The Summit also aims at developing an action plan for basic infrastructural development of the areas worst affected by the conflict in order to allow for the return of internally displaced persons and refugees. On 12 May 2016, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Salil Shetty sent a letter to Presidents attending the Summit calling for justice to be a priority on the agenda.

SC/12363

7692nd Meeting (PM)
SECURITY COUNCIL
MEETINGS COVERAGE

The Security Council today demanded that Boko Haram immediately halt all violence and all abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law, as it strongly condemned the group’s terrorist attacks in the Lake Chad Basin region and expressed deep concern that its activities were undermining peace and stability in West and Central Africa.

Issuing presidential statement S/PRST/2016/7 on the eve of a regional security summit in Abuja, the 15-member Council — expressing alarm at Boko Haram’s linkages with Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh) — also demanded the immediate release of the group’s reported thousands of captives, including 219 schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, in Nigeria’s Borno State, in April 2014.

It expressed deep concern at the scale of the humanitarian crisis caused by Boko Haram’s activities, including the internal displacement of more than 2.2 million Nigerians and over 450,000 internally-displaced persons and refugees in Cameroon, Chad and Niger. Noting that an estimated 4.2 million people in the Lake Chad Basin region faced a food security crisis, it urged the international community to immediately support the provision of urgent humanitarian aid — noting however that only 10 per cent of the $531 million needed to fulfil such assistance had been received this year.

Commending important territorial advances against Boko Haram by the Governments of Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria, the Council urged Member States taking part in the Multinational Joint Task Force to enhance regional cooperation so as to consolidate military gains, deny safe haven to Boko Haram, allow humanitarian access and facilitate the restoration of the rule of law.

It welcomed the President of Nigeria’s initiative in convening the Second Regional Security Summit, to be held on 14 May in Abuja, to evaluate the regional response to the threat posed by Boko Haram, and encouraged the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in coordination with the African Union, to accelerate joint efforts towards a common strategy to combat the group.

Stressing that terrorism could only be defeated by a sustained and comprehensive approach involving all States and international, regional and subregional organizations, the Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of terrorism to justice. It also urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and Security Council resolutions, to cooperate with all relevant authorities in that regard.

The meeting began at 3:09 p.m. and ended at 3:11 p.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2016/7 reads as follows:

“The Security Council strongly condemns all terrorist attacks, abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law by Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin region, including those involving killings and other violence against civilians, notably women and children, abductions, pillaging, rape, sexual slavery and other sexual violence, recruitment and use of children, and destruction of civilian property. The Security Council expresses serious concern over the reported violations and abuses of human rights and large-scale displacement of the civilian population across the Lake Chad Basin region as a result of Boko Haram’s activities. The Security Council stresses that those responsible for these abuses and violations of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law must be held accountable and brought to justice.

“The Security Council expresses deep concern that the activities of Boko Haram continue to undermine the peace and stability of the West and Central African region. The Security Council expresses alarm at Boko Haram’s linkages with the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh).

“The Security Council demands that Boko Haram immediately and unequivocally cease all violence and all abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law. The Security Council demands the immediate and unconditional release of all those abducted who remain in captivity, including 219 schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, Borno State, Nigeria, in April 2014 among the reported thousands of others held captive by Boko Haram. The Security Council recognizes that some of such acts may amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes.

“The Security Council expresses deep concern at the alarming scale of the humanitarian crisis caused by the activities of Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin region, including the internal displacement of more than 2.2 million Nigerians, and over 450,000 internally displaced persons and refugees in neighboring Cameroon, Chad and Niger. The Security Council notes that an estimated 4.2 million people in the Lake Chad Basin region face a food security crisis, including 800,000 in Borno and Yobe States, Nigeria, where an estimated 184 children a day risk starvation without the immediate provision of emergency food assistance. The Security Council commends the support provided to the displaced populations by the international community, in particular the people and governments of the Lake Chad Basin region, including with the assistance of humanitarian actors and relevant United Nations entities. The Security Council urges the international community to immediately support the provision of urgent humanitarian assistance for the people most affected by the crisis in Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria and notes that approximately 10 per cent of the $531 million required to fulfil such assistance has been received this year.

“The Security Council commends the important territorial advances by the governments of Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria against Boko Haram, including through the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) headquartered in N’Djamena, Chad. The Security Council urges the Member States participating in the MNJTF to further enhance regional military cooperation and coordination, particularly to consolidate military gains, deny safe haven to Boko Haram, allow humanitarian access and facilitate the restoration of the rule of law in liberated areas. The Security Council underscores the importance of a holistic approach to degrade and defeat Boko Haram that includes coordinated security operations, conducted in accordance with applicable international law, as well as enhanced civilian efforts to improve governance and promote economic growth in the affected areas.

“The Security Council welcomes the crucial initiative of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, to convene the second Regional Security Summit on 14 May 2016 in Abuja, Nigeria, to evaluate the regional response to the threat posed by Boko Haram, including with a view to adopt a comprehensive strategy to address the governance, security, development, socioeconomic and humanitarian dimensions of the crisis, as a follow-up to the Paris Summit of 17 May 2014, which aimed to strengthen regional cooperation between Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria, as well as Benin in the fight against Boko Haram.

“The Security Council encourages the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in coordination with the African Union, to accelerate joint efforts to adopt a common strategy to combat the threat posed by Boko Haram.

“The Security Council urges the Member States participating in the MNJTF to continue efforts towards the sustainable, viable and effective operationalization of the MNJTF. In this regard, the Security Council welcomes the assistance provided by bilateral partners and multilateral organizations and encourages further support, including the provision of financial and logistical assistance, relevant equipment and modalities to increase the timely and effective exchange of intelligence to further the region’s collective efforts to combat Boko Haram.

“The Security Council stresses the need for Member States in the Lake Chad Basin region to complement the regional military and security operations against Boko Haram by national and regional efforts, with the assistance of bilateral partners and multilateral organizations, to improve livelihoods, provide humanitarian assistance to displaced and other conflict-affected populations, promote education and job creation, consolidate the rule of law, facilitate stabilization efforts, reconstruction, development and economic recovery, assist victims and vulnerable populations, prevent illicit trafficking of weapons to armed groups and criminal networks, as well as to strengthen measures to protect civilians and promote and protect human rights, particularly of women and children. The Security Council calls on relevant United Nations entities, including the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), to support, as appropriate, the Member States of the region, as well as subregional and regional organizations to address the impact of Boko Haram violence on the peace and stability of the region.

“The Security Council reiterates that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. The Security Council reaffirms the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and their other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts. The Security Council stresses that terrorism can only be defeated by a sustained and comprehensive approach involving the active participation and collaboration of all States and international, regional and subregional organizations to counter the terrorist threat.

“The Security Council underlines the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice and stresses that those responsible should be held accountable, and urges all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard.

“The Security Council underlines the importance of prompt and effective implementation of its relevant resolutions and statements related to the fight against terrorism, and recalls in this regard among others its resolutions 1373 (2001), 1624 (2005), 2178 (2014) and 2253 (2015), as well as the Presidential Statement of 11 May 2016 (S/PRST/2016/6), which, inter alia, recognizes the importance of countering terrorism and recruitment by terrorist organizations.”

Abuja, Nigeria | AFP | Saturday 5/14/2016 - 09:43 GMT

by Sabine WIBAUX

Regional and Western powers were on Saturday urged to do more to stop the threat from Boko Haram, as the UN voiced concern about the militants' ties to the Islamic State group and threat to African security.

Nigeria invited leaders of its neighbours Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger to Abuja, whose troops will be deployed as part of a much-delayed 8,500-member regional force to combat the Islamists.

But delegates -- including French President Francois Hollande -- were told that despite major gains since the last security summit two years ago in Paris, more needed to be done to eradicate Boko Haram and tackle the root causes of extremism.

The final communique said a "global approach" was required, comprising hard and soft power, to end the threat.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond characterised the fight against extremist ideology as "a generational struggle against an evil that will destroy us if we do not destroy it".

"We must sustain this fight until evil is defeated and good prevails," he told the gathering, calling for countries affected to win the "hearts and minds of those terrorised by Boko Haram".

US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken also said respect for human rights was essential, after repeated accusations of military abuses against civilians and Boko Haram suspects.

He warned that not addressing the drivers of extremism -- poverty, deprivation, lack of opportunity and education -- would create "Boko Haram 2.0" even if the group were defeated militarily.

• IS links -

Nearly seven years of violence in northeast Nigeria has left at least 20,000 dead and displaced more than 2.6 million people in one of the world's most brutal conflicts.

The United Nations Security Council on Friday expressed "deep concern" at Boko Haram's threat to security in West and Central Africa and "alarm at... linkages with the Islamic State", which operates in Syria, Iraq and Libya.

Boko Haram's shadowy leader Abubakar Shekau pledged allegiance to his IS counterpart Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi last year, although there has since been little evidence of direct support on the ground.

Chad's President Idriss Deby highlighted the threat from Libya, which has long been seen as a source for arms and explosives smuggled into the Sahel region and which is facing multiple threats from jihadist groups.

Boko Haram fighters are reported to be in Libya, raising concerns about their possible return.

France's Hollande said because of Boko Haram's links to IS and its status as "the world's deadliest terrorist group", it "remains a threat" and no-one should drop its guard.

After controlling territory in northeast Nigeria the size of Belgium in 2014, Boko Haram has been pushed back in the last 15 months to remote border areas on and around Lake Chad, whose waters form the border between Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger.

The new, regional Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which has African Union backing and is based in Chad's capital N'Djamena under a Nigerian general, was supposed to have deployed last July.

Plugging gaps and improving coordination between armies that are currently operating largely independently is seen as vital when it is eventually deployed, as the region's borders are notoriously porous.

• 'Food crisis' -

Western powers in particular have indicated more confidence in Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari's government than the previous administration of Goodluck Jonathan, offering training, intelligence-sharing and equipment.

Britain has committed nearly £40 million ($58 million, 51 million euros) to "counter and counter-extremism support" over the next four years.

The EU has contributed 50 million euros to the MNJTF, said the bloc's top diplomat Frederica Mogherini.

But Buhari said an estimated 960 million euros was required for short- and medium-term development in the Lake Chad region.

US ambassador to the UN Samantha Power, who visited northeast Nigeria and northern Cameroon last month, said 9.2 million people in the wider region were affected by the conflict.

Hollande said France last year gave 17 million euros in aid and it was "vital that the international community does more", announcing the creation of a specific "Lake Chad Initiative" through his country's development agency.

Two million internally displaced Nigerians are currently living in host communities or camps, with little prospect of an immediate return to their homes.

Homes, businesses, schools, medical facilities, government offices, power and telecommunications infrastructure, water sources and land in the mainly agricultural region have all been destroyed or damaged in the fighting.

The government of Nigeria's Borno state -- the worst-hit by the violence -- has said the displaced face a "food crisis" and $5.9 billion was needed to rebuild shattered infrastructure.

swi-phz/mfp

© 1994-2016 Agence France-Presse

PROJECTED FOOD ASSISTANCE NEEDS FOR NOVEMBER 2016

This brief summarizes FEWS NET’s most forward-looking analysis of projected emergency food assistance needs in FEWS NET coverage countries. The projected size of each country’s acutely food insecure population is compared to last year and the recent five-year average. Countries where external emergency food assistance needs are anticipated are identified. Projected lean season months highlighted in red indicate either an early start or an extension to the typical lean season. Additional information is provided for countries with large food insecure populations, an expectation of high severity, or where other key issues warrant additional discussion.

With the help of Peace Corps Volunteer Alex Meckley of Tampa, Florida, women who farm in the Northwest Region of Cameroon are now strengthening the diets of their households and earning additional income.

As members of the Kom people, the women followed the group’s long-standing agricultural traditions, cultivating hectares of corn so that it could then be milled into flour. To get nutrient-rich foodstuffs for their own tables, however, they were less likely to grow them than to buy them. But the price of these foodstuffs spikes in the dry season. For example, the average price of a medium-sized cabbage is twice as much as it is in the rainy season. Such prices, Meckley observed, made it hard for farming families to afford enough produce and led to nutritional imbalances in their diets. So, if the farmers were to grow vegetables, particularly in the dry season, they could improve both their nutrition and their income.

Though dry season gardening is work-intensive because the crops require constant watering, the socioeconomic payoff is great because it bolsters women's incomes, businesses, and social standing. With assistance from a Feed the Future partnership in the region, Meckley trained 12 farmers—including eight women—on organic household market gardening during the dry season and on business skills to keep track of and sell their products. Her training focused on leafy greens, cabbage and carrots, which many Kom people buy to prepare traditional meals, but few grow at home.

Over a 10-week period, the farmers learned how to make and use organic fertilizer and pesticides, manage a garden in the dry season, keep records, market their products and review the benefits of saving profits and planning for the future.

For the women training participants, who are entrenched in a culture where women do the majority of the physical labor on farms, the training was more than just an opportunity to diversify their household diets and increase their income. It was also an opportunity to earn status and respect in their community.

Meckley followed up the training by visiting the participants to see if they were adopting the practices and to help them troubleshoot pest problems and other challenges. In turn, each participant trained at least three other people on the practices they had learned, passing on their knowledge and supporting their own trainees.

Keineh Violet, who runs a convenience store selling common household items and dried goods, had never gardened but had been farming corn, beans and coco yams on her family’s farm. Since attending trainings and starting dry season gardening, Violet has put away money for times of need, like for her children’s hospital visits. She has also been keeping a record book of her garden sales.

Violet has sold a total of 64,000 CFA francs ($111) worth of cabbage and vegetables and also has enough to use at home. Now she has the money to stock the store regularly, join savings groups, save and take out loans. She is currently training four people and wants to continue growing her own garden during the next dry season.

“Since planting my vegetables, I have never had to buy,” said Violet. “It has reduced my stress for going to the market, and I save the transport money. My family is eating more cabbage, carrots and vegetables for richer meals.”

Pour les « Prix Producteurs » Les prix collectés ce mois d’Avril 2016, nous indiquent que :

• Riz Gambiaka: le prix le moins cher est 275 FCFA/kg enregistré à Kléla suivi de 300 à Siengo, Niono enregistre 310, et 375 le plus cher à Sofara dans la région de Mopti.

• Riz Adny11 : il est vendu à 300 FCFA/kg à Siengo, 325 à Niono (Ségou) et 330 FCFA/kg à Baguinéda (Koulikoro).

• Riz BG : il se vend à 330 à Baguinéda (Koulikoro) et 350 FCFA/kg à Sofara (Mopti).

• Riz Local étuvé : il est vendu à 400 FCFA/kg maximum à Niono, 350 à Siengo, 275 à Sofara (Mopti) et 225 à Klela (Sikasso).

• Paddy : les prix des différentes variétés se situent dans une fourchette de 160 à 178 FCFA le kilo dont le plus bas est enregistré à Niono et le plus élevé à Tombouctou.

• Les Semences : les prix ont évolué entre 275 FCFA/kg variété R2 en passant par 300 pour la R1 à Siengo et 335 FCFA pour les variétés BG et Wassa à Baguinéda.

Abuja, Nigeria | AFP | samedi 14/05/2016 - 19:31 GMT

par Sabine WIBAUX

L'emprise de Boko Haram a reculé autour du lac Tchad mais la communauté internationale doit en faire bien davantage, financièrement et militairement, pour venir à bout du groupe islamiste et aider les populations, dont la situation humanitaire est préoccupante, ont conclu samedi les participants du sommet d'Abuja.

Seul chef d'Etat non africain présent à ce sommet, le président français François Hollande a appelé samedi à ne pas "baisser la garde" contre Boko Haram, appelant la communauté internationale à faire "davantage" en termes d'aide humanitaire et de développement pour les pays touchés.

"Les résultats sont impressionnants" dans la lutte contre Boko Haram qui "a été amoindri, obligé de reculer", a reconnu M. Hollande, mais "ce groupe terroriste reste néanmoins encore une menace".

Le sommet s'est refermé avec un communiqué final soulignant que "la défaite de (cette) insurrection ne repose pas seulement sur une solution militaire mais également sur une action gouvernementale de développement en vue d'en éradiquer les causes".

Plus tôt, le chef de la diplomatie britannique Philip Hammond avait estimé lui aussi qu'il fallait "beaucoup plus" que des efforts militaires, fussent-ils coordonnés. Les pays de la zone doivent gagner "les cœurs et les âmes de ceux qui sont terrorisés par Boko Haram", car il s'agit du "combat d'une génération contre un démon qui nous détruira tous si nous ne le détruisons pas".

Même son de cloche chez le secrétaire d’État américain adjoint Antony Blinken, pour qui la "victoire sur le champ de bataille ne suffit pas": "une approche durable et globale" est indispensable afin qu'on ne reproduise pas les mêmes erreurs et que Boko Haram ne renaisse pas de ses cendres. Il est essentiel de traiter dignement les anciens combattants de Boko Haram, a-t-il dit notamment, en référence aux accusations répétées d'abus commis sur des suspects.

Outre les représentants français, britannique et américain, la réunion a rassemblé onze pays du continent, dont les pays frontaliers du Nigeria (Bénin, Cameroun, Tchad et Niger), et la chef de la diplomatie de l'Union européenne Federica Mogherini.

Au coeur des discussions : comment mettre fin aux exactions des islamistes de Boko Haram qui depuis 2009 ont tué plus de 20.000 personnes dans la région du lac Tchad et contraint plus de 2,6 millions d'habitants à fuir leur foyer.

Le déploiement effectif de la force multinationale mixte (FMM), composée de 8.500 hommes originaires du Nigeria et des pays voisins, mise en place depuis juillet, est resté jusqu'ici très confus. Une meilleure coordination entre les différentes armées est désormais indispensable.

• une situation humanitaire alarmante -

"Nous devons appuyer les forces armées du Nigeria et des pays de la région, les aider à être plus efficaces", a souligné M. Hollande.

Depuis l'arrivée de Muhammadu Buhari à la tête du Nigeria, il y a un an, l'armée a multiplié les victoires militaires contre Boko Haram, conduisant le président à annoncer que le groupe islamiste était "techniquement" vaincu. Désormais, Boko Haram "ne tient plus" aucun district administratif dans le nord-est, a-t-il de nouveau assuré samedi.

Pourtant, le groupe rebelle reste puissant et commet régulièrement des attentats meurtriers, tandis que la forêt de Sambisa dans le nord-est demeure son bastion.

Dans une déclaration unanime adoptée vendredi, le Conseil de sécurité de l'ONU s'est "alarmé" des "liens entre Boko Haram et l'Etat islamique". Il y a un an, le premier a en effet prêté allégeance au second.

Le Conseil de sécurité s'est également alarmé de la situation humanitaire alarmante dans la région du bassin du lac Tchad.

"La principale difficulté à présent est la réhabilitation" des infrastructures détruites, a confirmé samedi le président Buhari, évaluant à 960 millions d'euros l'aide nécessaire au développement de la région.

"Il est indispensable que la communauté internationale fasse davantage aujourd'hui", a appuyé François Hollande en rappelant que "4,5 millions de personnes sont en situation d'insécurité alimentaire, dont 300.000 enfants".

Plus tôt, le président français avait fait savoir que Paris allait continuer de soutenir la FMM, à travers de l'assistance, de la formation et du renseignement. La force Barkhane, déployée au Sahel, peut également "intervenir chaque fois qu'il y a un risque terroriste ou une action menée par des groupes", a-t-il ajouté. "Nous sommes là, nous sommes présents et nous allons rester présents."

M. Hollande a précisé avoir signé avec M. Buhari "une lettre d'intention" en vue d'un accord de défense entre Paris et Abuja.

La France, qui possède une base militaire au Tchad pour sa lutte antiterroriste dans la région du Sahel, est considérée comme un partenaire incontournable entre le Nigeria et ses voisins, tous francophones, et avec qui les relations sont historiquement difficiles.

Le Nigeria a souffert d'un manque de coopération militaire internationale sous les précédentes administrations, son armée étant régulièrement accusée de corruption et de violations des droits de l'Homme.

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© 1994-2016 Agence France-Presse

Abuja, Nigeria, 14 May 2016

Your Excellency Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Your Excellency Mr. François Hollande, President of the Republic of France, Your Excellencies Heads of State and Government of member states of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, Your Excellency Mr. Sanusi Imran Abdullahi, Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, Excellencies, Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Boko Haram has rampaged through this region in recent years, killing and injuring thousands of people, destroying homes, communities and livelihoods. Around nine million people in the Lake Chad Basin need humanitarian assistance. More than five million people are short of food.

Since the beginning of the crisis, almost 2.8 million people have been displaced and some 500,000 people have sought refuge across borders. I commend neighbouring countries for their generosity and I welcome news that Governments and UNHCR will start talks on the voluntary return of refugees.

Mr. President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

Since the first Regional Security Summit, you have made significant strides in the joint fight against Boko Haram. I commend your commitment to joint security operations. President Muhammadu Buhari’s regional tour and the recent visit of President Paul Biya of Cameroon to Nigeria are further demonstrations of your determination to tackle this scourge together.

I welcome the establishment and operationalization of the Multi-National Joint Task Force and I urge further support so that it can become fully operational.

However, I am concerned by reports of serious human rights abuses that have taken place in connection with counter-insurgency operations. It is critical that these operations are carried out in full compliance with international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law.

I welcome the measures that have already been taken, and urge Governments to implement national counter-terrorism laws and policies that ensure compliance with international standards, increase access to justice, and provide redress for victims.

The United Nations stands ready to mobilize support for regional and international action against Boko Haram that includes an effective strategy to protect human rights, and monitor and address violations.

Mr. President, Excellencies,

Respect for human rights is just one of the many essential elements of the comprehensive joint approach to tackle Boko Haram. Governments, with the support of the international community and other partners, must support the communities and people affected by the conflict. They must also address the root causes that led to the emergence of violent extremism and terrorism in this region.

The sustainable recovery of areas liberated from Boko Haram will require humanitarian and development aid, and long-term support to promote the rule of law, strengthen governance, ensure sustainable and inclusive development, and foster social cohesion.

Many women and girls in this region have experienced serious abuse and trauma and will need Government help to recover. I urge Nigeria and its neighbours to establish inves

tigation and search mechanisms to ensure the safe release of the Chibok girls and all those who have been abducted. It will also be vital to continue efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate children who have been abducted and recruited by armed groups.

The humanitarian and development community stands ready to continue its support, based on the framework provided by the goals and targets in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. I urge donors to increase their funding, which stands at just ten per cent of the $536 million needed for humanitarian aid this year.

The United Nations is committed to the countries of this region in their efforts to achieve peace, security and sustainable development in the Lake Chad Basin.

I commend you for your continuing political engagement on these challenging issues and urge you to build on these with humanity and respect for human rights.

I send you my best wishes for a successful summit. Thank you.

I. Background

The violent conflict in northeastern Nigeria has led to widespread displacement, violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, and a growing humanitarian crisis. Now entering its seventh year, the crisis shows no sign of abating.

Since the start of the conflict in 2009, more than 20,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million people have fled their homes: 2.2 million are internally displaced, and 177,000 are seeking refuge in the neighboring countries of Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. Ninety-two percent of internally displaced people have sought refuge among host communities, where resources and basic services are being exhausted, leading to risky coping strategies. An estimated 262,324 people have returned to their places of origin in northern Adamawa to find their communities devastated, houses and public infrastructure destroyed, and the security situation still fragile.

In the four worst-affected states - Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, and Yobe - 3 million of the 7 million people are in insecure and inaccessible areas, and are estimated to be in need of emergency, life-saving assistance.

II. Scope of Mission

Upon the invitation of the NGO Forum in Nigeria, InterAction team members Patricia McIlreavy and Julien Schopp1 traveled to Nigeria from March 28 through April 8, 2016. Visiting both Abuja and Maiduguri, the team reviewed humanitarian practice and policy issues, including inter-agency response leadership; NGO coordination structures; the implementation of Transformative Agenda best practices; and humanitarian access and delivery modalities.

Within this report, written by the mission participants, InterAction provides observations, key findings and recommendations for Nigeria and the wider Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC).

The majority of Sudanese refugees in a camp in Upper Nile, South Sudan, have no means to use as shelter from the heavy rains.

About 35,000 refugees from Sudan's Blue Nile state face critical environmental and humanitarian conditions because of the torrential rains these days, a coordinator at camp Yusuf Batil, named Somit, told Radio Dabanga.

“Out of the 46,000 refugees in the camp, 35,000 people live in the open without cover. The environmental conditions for the refugees are very poor because of the shortage of tents, plastic sheets, blankets, and mosquito nets.”

The rainy season lasts from approximately May to November. The muddy roads pose a problem for the food and relief transport of humanitarian organisations, sometimes cutting off roads completely.

In addition, Somit reported a food shortage in Yousif Bateel. “The shortage is significant now humanitarian organisations have reduced the food rations by 70 percent, because of the difficulties in the transport of food to Upper Nile's camps.

“There also is a shortage of trained health personnel to treat the refugees, and a lack of books in the camp schools.” According to the UNHCR, more than 40,000 people have taken refuge in Yusuf Batil.

Somit said he fears that the situation may turn worse, with the risk of health disasters among camp residents.

Institución liberó listado con necesidades prioritarias.

Producto de la crítica situación humanitaria que se vive en Chiloé, Cruz Roja lanzó una campaña de recolección de alimentos y artículos de primera necesidad, los cuales espera despachar este domingo a la zona, con el desafío de completar un camión de cinco toneladas durante este fin de semana.

Patricio Acosta, presidente de Cruz Roja, explicó que "las reservas de ayuda humanitaria que teníamos en nuestras oficinas de Castro y Ancud se agotaron y, por lo tanto, se hace urgente reponerlas para seguir atendiendo a las necesidades esenciales de las comunidades en situación vulnerable, en la Isla Grande de Chiloé".

Acosta dio a conocer el listado de artículos y alimentos de primera necesidad que los chilotes necesitan para mitigar los efectos de la crisis que los golpea: Harina

Sal

Azúcar

Fideos

Arroz

Aceite

Legumbres

Leche en polvo

Té y café

Conservas

Pañales para niños y adultos

Artículos de aseo

Atendiendo a las insistentes consultas, NO SE REQUIERE NINGÚN TIPO DE ROPA.

Las colaboraciones de la ciudadanía y empresas se están recibiendo en el Centro de Acopio Norte de Cruz Roja, ubicado en Independencia 339, Independencia, a dos cuadras de la Estación Cal y Canto del Metro, de 09:00 a 18:00 horas, de viernes a domingo.

Since 2014 the threat posed by Boko Haram has affected not only in the north-east of Nigeria, but also in Chad, Cameroon and Niger. This has led to the establishment of a Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in the Lake Chad area aiming at improving joint coordination, planning and implementation of operations.

The national contingents operating bilaterally and as part of the MNJTF have since been deployed and are conducting operations. The force however needs the necessary infrastructure and transport and communication assets to allow it to effectively coordinate and command operations.

In the context of the EU-AU partnership, as reconfirmed during the donor conference organized by African Union Commission early February 2016 the European Commission adopted in April 2016 a financing decision setting aside €50 Million from the African Peace Facility in support of the MNJTF against Boko Haram.

The action will put the multinational force central command in a position to co-ordinate operations among troop contributing countries in their respective territories. This should in turn prevent Boko Haram to continue to take advantage of its ability to move across borders when fighting uncoordinated bilateral operations by any of the troop-contributing countries.

As we are getting ready to sign Contractual arrangements, which will translate the financing decision into a well-sequenced set of activities to achieve the expected results, we reiterate our strong mutual engagement to contribute to restore a safe and secure environment in the areas affected by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups and to support the Multi National Joint Task Force of the Lake Chad Basin Commission in order to secure the civilian population.

Abuja, 14 May 2016

A partir de hoy, se comenzará el abastecimiento de combustible y alimentos en las siete comunas que bajaron las movilizaciones y suscribieron acuerdo. Mientras que, a partir, de mañana se espera que las actividades en los servicios públicos sean retomadas.

Tras casi dos semanas de movilizaciones en el archipiélago de Chiloé, el ministro coordinador, Luis Felipe Céspedes, anunció, este domingo, que se iniciará el abastecimiento de alimentos y combustible, y que este lunes se retomarán las clases en los colegios y se efectuará el pago de pensiones ISP en las comunas que suscribieron el acuerdo con el Gobierno.

Esto luego que el secretario de Estado, acompañado del Subsecretario de Pesca, Raúl Sunico y el Intendente de Los Lagos, Leonardo De la Prida, se reuniera con los máximos representantes de la Fuerza Aérea, Armada y Carabineros para iniciar el plan de normalización en la zona.

El titular de Economía anunció que se retomarán las actividades en aquellas zonas donde terminaron las movilizaciones. “El objetivo de esta reunión fue coordinar todas aquellas acciones, como el abastecimiento de alimentos, funcionamientos de distintos servicios públicos y la provisión de combustibles, que permitan restablecer rápidamente el normal funcionamiento de las comunas de Chiloé”, confirmó.

En este sentido, el Intendente explicó que este lunes se concretará el pago de las pensiones IPS de forma presencial en la Caja de Compensación Los Héroes, lo que permitirá beneficiar a casi 5 mil personas. Asimismo, se habilitará el pago del bono de invierno.

Respecto al abastecimiento de alimentos, De la Prida señaló que se está coordinando con la Cámara de Comercio de Castro para ver cuáles son las necesidades de la zona para transportar, a la brevedad posible, mediante barcaza estos productos prioritarios.

En la oportunidad, el subsecretario de Pesca afirmó que “hay un proceso de diálogo con todos los actores que aún no alcanzan acuerdo. Vamos a persistir en ese diálogo, tratando de acercar posiciones con cada uno de los actores. Nuestro interés es alcanzar acuerdo para recuperar la vida normal en Chiloé y dar espacio al anuncio de la Presidenta de generar mesas de trabajo que aborden los temas de futuro para la región de Los Lagos que se ha visto afectada por la marea roja”.

Respecto al pago de ayuda solidaria, Sunico manifestó que este monto del bono ya se ha suscrito con varias comunas, por lo tanto, no habrá alteración en ello.

Acuerdo con siete comunas de Chiloé

Durante la tarde del sábado, el ministro coordinador suscribió un acuerdo con los pescadores artesanales pertenecientes a seis comunas de Chiloé: Castro, Dalcahue, Quinchao, Puqueldon, Queilén y Curaco de Velez, lo que implica el cese de las movilizaciones en esos sectores y dar inicio al trabajo de desarrollo productivo.

El secretario de Estado indicó que “manifestamos nuestra voluntad de seguir trabajando ahora entrando en una nueva etapa, con quienes han suscrito este acuerdo, para poner fin a lo que han sido estas movilizaciones, pero al mismo tiempo con el compromiso de trabajar en todo lo que viene en la siguiente etapa en estos lugares”.

Recordar que previamente, los pescadores artesanales de Chonchi ya habían suscrito a este acuerdo, lo que significó el término de bloqueos en la zona.

The majority of migrants recorded by the two flow monitoring points are recorded going from Niger to Libya (estimated 51 225 individuals or 64%). Migrants on this route tend to be young men from english speaking West African countries who intend to go towards Europe.

An estimated 12 025 migrants (15%) came into Niger from Libya. This group is majoritarily Nigerien but includes Nigerians and Malians.

21% of migrants are recorded to be travelling between Niger and Algeria. These migrants more commonly work in the gold mines in the north of Niger.

The past three weeks have had outgoing migrant flows of over 10 000 individuals, mainly towards Libya. There has also been an increase in the incoming number of migrants, with over 3000 migrants coming into Niger per week. The weekly average for outgoing migrants is 4244 migrants/week, evidently below the current weekly trend. While there has been an increase in the incoming and outgoing flows as evidenced by the graph below it remains to be seen whether this relatively sudden increase will remain constant. The average number of incoming migrants is 1439 migrants/week.

The main nationalities recorded are migrants from Niger (36%), Nigeria (22%), Senegal (10%) and Gambia (8%). The demography of men and women continues to remain stable with women representing 8% of all recorded migrants. Over 2000 minors have been identified in the migratory flows during the past 3 months of data collection.

Temperatures in the Agadez region are between 40 and 50°Celsius during this season making travelling migrants more susceptible to heat exhaustion, dehydration or death should their vehicle/s break down while in between inhabited locations in the desert.

INTRODUCTION

One in four of the world’s school-aged children – 462 million – now live in countries affected by crisis. Of these children, 75 million are in the most desperate need of support: they are either in danger of or already missing out on their right to education. During crises, children are particularly at risk of missing out on their education, yet schools provide a safe space and a vital routine for children during times of major upheaval. Education gives children the building blocks to rebuild their lives and, eventually, their country.

Yet despite the scale and gravity of this challenge now is a moment of opportunity – with increased high-level political commitment to enable access to quality education for all children and young people, leaving no one behind. In 2015 governments around the world adopted the Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 4: to ensure that by 2030 all girls and boys have access to complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education. Without vital action to reach and teach those affected by emergencies and protracted crises, the world will fall far short of that goal.

In the lead-up to the first ever World Humanitarian Summit, repeated calls have been made for education and learning to be central to humanitarian action, and for guarantees that no child’s right to education be disrupted or interrupted by conflict or disaster. Education Cannot Wait: a Fund for education in emergencies – explained in this paper – heeds these calls and was developed to better meet the educational needs of millions of children and young people affected by crises around the world.

In his report for the World Humanitarian Summit, the UN Secretary-General calls for governments to commit to ensure safe, quality and inclusive access to primary and secondary education and vocational opportunities during and after crises. Critical to achieving this is the transcending of humanitarian-development divides. Interest in radical new approaches that join up humanitarian and development efforts on education is building in the lead-up to the World Humanitarian Summit. And there is growing interest from new and established donors alike to explore joint and innovative mechanisms to finance education in crisis. This momentum, together with the urgent needs of children worldwide, should compel all parties to act – committing political will and additional funding in support of new solutions.