Attachments
KEY PRIORITES
• Strategy for Return Monitoring
• Protection monitoring, analysis and response
• Community-based protection
• Operationalizing the Tripartite Agreement and implementing the Return and Reintegration
• Registration and profiling
• Supporting livelihood and self-reliance activities
• Access to Justice Coordination of Protection Sector Working Groups at National and State levels
• Camp Coordination Management Camp, Shelter and Non-Food Items Sector activities in the NorthEast
• Resource mobilization
OPERATIONAL CONTEXT
A. The North-East Situation
The general security situation in North-East Nigeria remains fluid and unpredictable. Although many areas previously occupied by Boko Haram have been recaptured, the group remains a threat to civilians, UN agencies and other aid organizations. Government counter-insurgency measures also remain one of the causes of continuous population displacement. Incidents of suicide bombings and ambushes on military and civilian road convoys as well as abductions linger in the three main affected states – Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.
Due to continued attacks and looming threats by insurgents on road movements, access remains a challenge.
The only means of transport to ‘newly liberated areas’ for humanitarian workers is the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS). However, operational demands and the limited capacity of the air service to provide comprehensive support to everyone at the same time make planning and implementation challenging, further narrowing operational parameters and scope. Notwithstanding the difficult operating environment, UNHCR continues to maintain presence where possible, through local partners and the rotational deployments of staff to reach people desperately in need of protection and other life-saving assistance. UNHCR has maintained its advocacy role as the Protection Sector lead agency, calling for appropriate actions to address the physical protection of the displaced, and to ensure that the civilian character of camps is not compromised.
In March 2017, UNHCR and the Governments of Nigeria and Cameroon signed the Tripartite Agreement for the voluntary repatriation of Nigerian refugees residing in Cameroon. Members of the joint team from UNHCR Nigeria and Cameroon have participated in cross border discussions to assess the operational circumstances of the voluntary repatriation plan. But while UNHCR and the two governments remain committed to supporting the return of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon, the parties are aware that organized movements should take place with security and restoration of basic services in the areas of return to ensure that the process is sustainable. A decision was made in November 2017 to begin the voluntary repatriation of 4000 Nigerian refugees in Cameroon originating from Adamawa state in the first quarter of 2018 after considerations that such returns should be done in safety and dignity.