The Cross River State Deputy Governor Rt. Hon Peter Odey, said the state plays host to 52, 000 out of the over 84, 000 registered Cameroonian refugees in Nigeria.
Hon. Odey, disclosed this on Monday when he declared open the Global Compact On Refugees high level meeting holding at Transcorp Hotel in Calabar.
“As a State, our commitment to the principles of the GCR aligns with our national ethos of unity in diversity,” the deputy governor said. “We believe that together, we can address the challenges faced by refugees or forcibly displaced persons.”
He said they are also committed to improving security and social infrastructure within these communities to promote peaceful co-existence and integration between the host communities and persons concerned.
The Global Compact On Refugees is a United Nations High Commission programme.
Its primary purpose is to safeguard refugee rights and their well-being by ensuring that everyone can exercise the right to return home voluntarily, intergrate locally or to resettle in a third country.
“This is why Cross River State is happy to play host to 52, 000 out of the over 84, 000 registered Cameroonian refugees in Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, Governor Otu’s administration will not only continue to provide land in various host communities but will lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide.
Odey who commended the UNHCR for their role in providing technical expertise to guide nations on the path of GCR implementation, said that the state governor, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu was happy for the convening the gathering which he described as a platform for dialogue and collaboration.
He urged them to strive to build a future where the rights and dignity of refugees are protected.
The Head of Sub Office, Ogoja-UNHCR, lrene Omondi, said the primary objective of the meeting was to take stock and discuss practical ways to support the Cross River state government in the implementation of the pledges.
Ahead of Global Compact on Refugees Conference holding in Geneva later this month, she recognized the tremendous leadership Nigeria and Cross River State have shown.
In responding to the refugee crises by ensuring that refugees have access to essential life saving services, including livehood opportunities where possible.Omondi said that despite her own challenges, Cross River state continues to support refugees.
Participants at the meeting Include the Commissioner for International Development Corporation and that of Humanitarian Affairs, CUSO International, Ministry Of Women Affairs (MOWA), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigerian Police Force and representatives of Commissioners of Finance and Information.