STATEMENT BY NIGERIA DELIVERED BY MR. MUSTAPHA TUNDE MUKAILA, MINISTER, PERMANENT MISSION OF NIGERIA, AT THE 33RD SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT
Madam President Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.
We wish to join other speakers to congratulate Madam President for her election to chair this auspicious gathering, and the capacity she has displayed since the beginning of this meeting. Let me reiterate our appreciation to the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement for their efforts in organising this year’s conference and to the millions of volunteers, members and staff worldwide for their commitments in saving lives. We are confident in the successful outcome of the three-day event. Nigeria aligns with the statement delivered by Zimbabwe on behalf of the African Group. We would like to make the following remarks in our national capacity.
2. Madam President, this session offers Member States and the humanitarian community an opportunity to pay tribute and salute the resilience of millions of displaced persons worldwide. This gathering clearly demonstrates our collaborative efforts in protecting lives, promoting good health and wellbeing, respecting the rights of all, preventing and alleviating suffering of displaced persons. Most importantly, it gives us an auspicious occasion to pay a befitting tribute to the landmark Geneva Conventions which were adopted seventy years ago, as well as African regional frameworks. These legal instruments have moderated excesses in conflicts and created a better world, in spite of the reality of conflict, especially by giving added and deliberate protections to civilians, non-combatants and ex-combatants.
3. Excellencies, Ladies and Gentleman, this year’s conference coincides with the 70th Anniversary of the 1949 Conventions, the 50th Anniversary of the OAU Convention and the 10th Anniversary of the Kampala Convention. This therefore, calls for a deeper reflection on our commitments to bring succour to all vulnerable persons, refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), victims of armed conflicts and disasters. On its part, Nigeria has also been affected but not overwhelmed by the global displacement crisis as a country of origin, transit and destination.
4. Madam President, Nigeria recognises that the task of addressing the situation of Nigerian refugees, returnees and IDPs, is primarily that of the Federal Government of Nigeria. However, we know the value of partnerships and good neighbourliness. For this reason, Nigeria has strategically engaged with its neighbours, international organisations and the international community to ensure that the victims of armed conflicts and environmental threats in the country and across the Lake Chad region are adequately protected and provided for. We will continue to collaborate with the Movement, Member States and other stakeholders in promoting and strengthening respect for international humanitarian law.
5. I thank you.
