The humanitarian crisis remains a contributory factor to the extinction of cultures, heritage and diversity in Africa, a coalition has observed.
The Coalition of Humanitarian organizations on Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria and West Africa, made this observation in Abuja at a conference.
Dr. JohnJohn Uket, Project Lead of the coalition, said that there were more than 50 million displaced people in the world whose cultures could go to extinction because of humanitarian crises.
He noted also that there ought to be a plan to consider more sustainable solutions to the displacement, population and preservation of their cultures.
The conference, with the theme: “Harmonising Diversity in Providing Sustainable Model of Settlements for Refugees and IDPs in Nigeria and West Africa,” Uket said that would enlighten the public on the plight of the IDPs.
He said that the conference was aimed at achieving an innovative, functional, and sustainable economic model of settlements for refugees and IDPs to preserve cultures among them.
“Having taken into cognizance the role of diversity in accentuating a standpoint among ethnic nationalities, it is therefore incumbent to change the narrative with more culturally and indigenously driven solutions.
“It is pertinent to re-engineer, evolve multi-dimensional approach to restoring the dignity of those affected by humanitarian crisis,” he said.
He noted that the humanitarian innovation that could address the challenge would be needed to avoid humanitarian and security disasters in the region.
Similarly, Dr Grace Gekpe, former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, called on Nigerians to embrace the culture as a tool for promoting peaceful co-existence within our various communities and among nations.
Gekpe said that for effective humanitarian assistance, humanitarians need to have a greater understanding of certain cultures.
“These Internally Displaced Persons are one of us, they need care and basic amenities to survive.
“Even in the midst of their despair, loss of loved ones, property, and means of livelihood, the only thing they carry within is their culture.
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“Even in the IDP camps, the people practise their diverse cultures and humanitarians must recognize and respect their cultures for the sustenance of peace and unity within the IDPs and the host communities,” she said.
The special guest of honour, Marie Antoinette Theligene, also called on stakeholders in the humanitarian space to redouble their efforts in ensuring more efficient and impactful ways of delivering long-lasting solutions to the needs of the IDPs and refugees in the society.
Theligene, who is also the President, Valley of Love Ministries, U.S., called on the international community to support humanitarian action in Africa, especially, as a way of solving insecurity, terrorism and insurgency in Africa
