NGOs warn further instability and sanctions could exacerbate humanitarian needs
Joint Press Statement of humanitarian NGOs on the sanctions and conflict with the existing vulnerabilities in Niger
5 August 2023, Niamey, Niger - In Niger, a country already affected by multiple crises, humanitarian NGOs are warning that further instability could strongly deteriorate the living conditions of the most vulnerable, including women and children who are often the most vulnerable during times of crisis, and hamper the humanitarian response. The combination of sanctions and conflict with the existing vulnerabilities in Niger could have devastating effects on the lives of over 4.4 million people in the country who are already in need of humanitarian assistance.
We, as independent and neutral humanitarian organizations, urge all stakeholders to do their utmost to minimize human suffering and to ensure that assistance can reach those in need, regardless of political situation or decisions.
We further urge all stakeholders to ensure that humanitarian actors can continue their essential work unimpeded and in full respect of humanitarian principles. We also advocate for the inclusion of humanitarian exemptions in all decisions, including sanctions, to prevent adverse impacts on civilians.
Signatories:
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Save the Children
International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO)
Solidarités International (SI)
Humanité & Inclusion (HI)
Action Contre la Faim Espagne
COOPI- COOPERAZIONE INTERNAZIONALE
Danish Refugee Council – DRC
Welthungerhilfe (WHH)
CARE International
Norwegian Refugee Council -NRC
Concern Worldwide
ACTED
OXFAM
Mercy Corps
World Vision
Welthungerhilfe is one of the largest private aid organizations in Germany and has no political or religious affiliations. With courage and determination, Welthungerhilfe has been working towards a world without hunger since its inception on 14 December 1962, during which time it has provided funding of EUR 4.75 billion for more than 11,498 overseas projects in around 72 countries. Welthungerhilfe operates according to the foundational principle of help for self-help, which it implements with measures ranging from rapid disaster relief to rehabilitation to long-term development co-operation projects with national and international partner organisations.
