Nigeria currently hosts over 57,000 Cameroonian refugees in Akwa Ibom, Benue, Cross River and Taraba states according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Mr Christopher Mubanga, the UNHCR Head of Field Office, Calabar, disclosed  in Calabar during an interactive session with newsmen to commemorate the 2020 World Refugee Day with the theme “Everyone can make a difference, every action counts”.

He noted that Cross River alone hosts over 36,000 Cameroonian refugees which indicates that the state alone host more than 63 per cent of the entire refugee population in Nigeria

He said that one out of every 100 people across the world have fled their homes for safety

Mubanga said that local authorities and host communities have been exemplary in their support to refugees in their communities.

“World Refugee Day is an opportunity to appreciate the efforts of host communities and the Federal Government of Nigeria in welcoming and assisting Cameroonian refugees.

“UNHCR estimates that 70.8 million people around the world are refugees or have been displaced by violence in their own countries and one out of every 100 people in the world has fled their homes.

“The Covid-19 pandemic and the recent anti-racism protests have shown us how desperately we need to fight for a more inclusive and equal world.

“A world where no one is left behind, including those forced to flee by war and prosecution. Everyone, including refugees, can contribute to society and every action counts in the effort to create a more just, inclusive and equal world.

Mubanga said the Cameroonian refugees were contributing on the frontlines of the pandemic, in spite of living in extremely vulnerable conditions.

“Refugees are volunteering through the sewing of mask, creating awareness on Covid-19 prevention, sexual and gender base and child protection and conducting environmental sanitation campaigns in the settlements.’’

Mr Princewill Ayim, the Director-General of Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, said the state was in solidarity with the refugees who have been displaced by war and violence.

Ayim explained that the state government had raised the awareness and campaign for a society where everyone can make a difference including refugees and the Internally Displaced Persons. (NAN)