Attachments
In July, UNHCR handed over 150 kits of core relief items to regional authorities of Zinder, to support relieve efforts for victims of recent floods. As of 31 July, about 75,711 people have been affected and 6,868 homes destroyed by these floods caused by torrential rains in eight regions since June, according to the Niger Government.
In July, continuing attacks by non-state armed groups triggered internal displacements of 2,179 in Terra, Tillaberi region, while the number of asylum-seekers from Burkina Faso, rose to 3,904 individuals. UNHCR joined an Inter-Agency assessment mission to the zone hosting the displaced population.
Between 16 to 17 July, UNHCR and its partners distributed kits of core relief and clothing items to 1,067 Nigerian refugees in 10 villages in the Maradi region. The blankets, jerry cans, mosquito nets and sleeping mats distributed will help improve living conditions for the new refugees.
Operational context
Despite the security, political and economic challenges exacerbated by the July 2023 coup and the imposition of drastic sanctions on Niger, the country continued to host refugees and asylum-seekers from Nigeria (57%), Mali (30%), Burkina Faso (9%) and (4%) from other countries. In addition, there are over 507,438 internally displaced persons (IDPs) and some 46,612 other people of concern to UNHCR, including Nigerien returnees who were residing outside the country in areas affected by various conflicts and insecurities, forcing them to flee again.
UNHCR's intervention in Niger is characterized by an approach focused on the provision of protection services, assistance, and solutions for forcibly displaced people. Particular attention is paid to the most vulnerable groups, including women, children, and individuals with special needs. This approach focuses on strengthening community structures.
Despite persistent security challenges, in July 2024, UNHCR operations continued throughout the country, except for areas designated as "military operation zones" by the Niger Government, where humanitarian activities were suspended. UNHCR and other humanitarian actors have continued to advocate with regional authorities for a gradual easing of these measures, to ensure that people in need receive the necessary assistance whenever the security situation allows. This approach has helped to minimize the impact of these restrictions on humanitarian operations, although the security situation remains considerably difficult, especially in the regions of Tillabéri, Tahoua, Diffa and Maradi.
Military operations by Niger's armed forces continued along the borders with Mali, as part of the recent mutual security pact signed by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. It is feared that these operations, combined with the increased activities of non-state armed groups (NSAGs) in Mali, will provoke further population movements towards the localities of Téra, Abala, Tillia, Tassara and Tchintabaraden in the Tillabéri and Tahoua regions of Niger.
UNHCR remains deeply concerned about the situation of vulnerable individuals in Niger, refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities affected by the situation. Despite the lifting of ECOWAS sanctions, rising prices and the continued closure of the main access points between Niger and Benin - one of the crucial routes for importing essential goods - continue to weaken the overall resilience of the population. Unless significant progress is made in resolving the political crisis, the humanitarian situation is likely to become alarming.
Like all UN agencies in Niger, UNHCR has re-established its channels of communication with the government, engaging in discussions with key officials in the Ministries of Interior, Humanitarian Action, and Justice, at both technical and strategic levels. This cooperation is of crucial importance in ensuring the smooth continuity of humanitarian activities, facilitating the free flow of personnel, resources, and finances, and enabling essential tasks such as refugee status determination to be carried out.