The Honourable Federal Commissioner for National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Senator Basheer Mohammed has said that the commission is joining is its voices with others to condemn all acts of discrimination at all levels.
Delivering his speech at the 2020 World Refugee Day Celebration held at the Army Resource center, the Commissioner said as an agency that is responsible and dedicated to the empowerment, rehabilitation and livelihood support for refugees in Nigeria, “we make a strong statement today that we recognize you, we stand with you and will continue to support to a place of improved dignity and prosperity.
According to the Commissioner, more than 20 years ago the United Nations declared World Refugee Day as an annual celebration.
Speaking further he said; “on this day we identify with the concerns of refugees around the world. Your strength, your courage, and your resilience are remarkable. Many of you have left your countries in response to threats based on religion, race, membership of a particular social group, and in some cases due to war in various parts of the world.”
“But, we want you to know, today more than ever, the Nigerian Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari is fully behind you and will continue to protect you,” Senator Basheer said.
According to the Commissioner, the establishment of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons itself is a testimony of the country’s commitment to the plight of Refugees, Migrants as well as Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs.
The Commissioner stated further that even with the global pandemic caused by the Coronavirus, the efforts of its office in supporting the needs of Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons has not slowed down, as he hinted that Commission’s offices are open in line with the Federal Government advised protocol and “we have also reached out to all camps and host communities with protective supplies, such as hand sanitizers, buckets and face masks. “
While thanking its partner, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Nigeria in the role it has played so far, the Commissioner said; “this year’s theme, EVERYONE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE, EVERY ACTION COUNTS is befitting, even as he reassured the Refugees, Migrants, and IDPs that they are the Commission’s primary concern.”
Speaking further he said; “for those you here with us today, as leaders of various communities, you have taken a bold step to be the “change-makers.” And thus we appreciate you. No matter who you are or where you came from, pandemic or not; everyone can make a difference. Every action counts and ours are in an inclusive world.”
He, however, urged the Refugees who were not present at the Refugee Day’s celebration to avail themselves of the opportunity to visit the Commission at its head office at the Federal Secretariat, In Abuja as well as their different offices in Benue, Cross River, and the Taraba States, as he said that the Commission administers registration daily between the hours of 9 am to 4 pm.
He commended the UNHCR Country’s Representative, Ms. Chansa Kapaya for its support, adding that the partnership of the Commission with UNHCR is stronger.
