UN Calls for Upholding of International Humanitarian Law in War Against Terrorism

…Asked for Protection of Humanitarian Workers, Civilians at all Times

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations (UN) has called for the upholding of the international humanitarian law in the ongoing battle between Nigeria and non-state actors, insisting that humanitarian workers and civilians must be protected at all times.

A statement jointly signed on Tuesday by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Fall and the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Sununu to commemorate World Humanitarian Day 2025, read: “We urgently call for the protection of humanitarian workers and civilians across the globe. We ask that international humanitarian law be upheld and that protection be provided to all those affected by conflict and disaster. We particularly call for the protection of women and girls, who are among the most vulnerable and most profoundly affected. Attacks on humanitarian workers—and more importantly, the people they seek to assist—must stop.

“This year’s World Humanitarian Day comes at a time when global solidarity with people in humanitarian need is at its lowest ebb. International humanitarian financing is collapsing. Many of the most vulnerable people have little or no support. In Nigeria, humanitarian needs are increasing, with food insecurity and malnutrition becoming an unfolding disaster. Pipelines for food and nutrition—lifelines for millions of people, especially children under the age of five—are severely disrupted, if not completely depleted.

“Millions of children are at risk of life-threatening severe acute malnutrition (SAM). It is estimated that some 31 million people are food insecure, over 10 million children under five are acutely malnourished, and 3.5 million are severely malnourished—2.5 million of these in six states. Urgent action is needed for about 400,000 SAM children, whose lives hang in the balance if immediate steps are not taken to reverse the situation.

“Globally, the humanitarian community is faced with unprecedented challenges. International humanitarian law is treated with disdain. Multilateralism has been replaced with short-term self-interest. And humanitarianism is under attack. The reform of the humanitarian system is urgently needed—building on the lessons learned over the last six decades and the incredible know-how and experience of humanitarian partners, both local and international.

“In Nigeria, humanitarian operations must become more efficient, accountable, and transparent. They must be led by the Government and implemented by local partners to the extent possible, and funded through local resources supported by the international community.”

The statement added that: Towards this end, the humanitarian community in Nigeria commits to: Fully supporting humanitarian response and action under the leadership of the Government of Nigeria, coordinated with guidance by the Government of Nigeria; Working with the Government to ensure a transition from an internationally supported humanitarian operation to locally led action by the end of the transition period; and ensuring a shift from the direct delivery of humanitarian aid to an enabling role for local actors, while preserving core functions such as humanitarian diplomacy, coordination, protection, and upholding humanitarian principles.

In a related development, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) paid tribute to the selfless dedication and sacrifices of humanitarian workers worldwide.

In a statement to commemorate the day in Abuja Tuesday, Executive Secretary of the Commission Dr. Tony Ojukwu said humanitarian workers are heroes who risk their lives to provide critical assistance to vulnerable populations, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), refugees, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups and population of concern.

He said: “As we commemorate this day, we recognize the tireless efforts of humanitarian workers who strive to alleviate suffering, protect human dignity, and promote resilience in the face of crises. Their work is a testament to the power of compassion, empathy, and solidarity in the protection of civilians.

He stated that despite their courageous efforts, many vulnerable populations continue to face significant challenges in accessing essential services, protection, and support.

He emphasized that it is imperative that stakeholders – governments, civil society organisations, international partners, and individuals – come together to strengthen humanitarian work and ensure that those in need receive the help they deserve.

He noted that the NHRC in collaboration with UNHCR is currently undertaking a critical project to document reports of human rights situations affecting vulnerable populations like the forcibly displaced persons across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

This initiative according to him aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by these groups and inform evidence-based interventions to address their needs. This will be followed by a quarterly Humanitarian Dashboard on humanitarian situation in the country

The Executive Secretary used the opportunity to call on all stakeholders to prioritize the protection and dignity of vulnerable populations, enhance collaboration and coordination to address humanitarian challenges, increase support for humanitarian workers and initiatives, as well as promote inclusive and sustainable humanitarian responses.

He thanked the humanitarian community in Nigeria, the UN system especially the UNHCR, the Red Cross, ICRC and host of international agencies, CSOs who continue to support the protection of civilians and other vulnerable population in need.

He said: “As we honour the sacrifices of humanitarian workers, we reaffirm our commitment to upholding human rights and dignity. Together, we can create a more just, equitable, and compassionate world for all.”

UN Calls for Upholding of International Humanitarian Law in War Against Terrorism