Humanitarian Response Plan: 2021 Priorities Outlined

In line with government’s policy of assisting the vulnerable population especially internally displaced persons and refugees, the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji has launched the 2021 edition of the Humanitarian Response Plan. The Minister kick-started the eight edition of the programme in Yaounde on April 7, 2021 in the presence of other government officials and members of the diplomatic corps including representatives of United Nations agencies in Cameroon.

In his preliminary statement, Minister Atanga Nji said the initiative put in place since 2014 by the President of the Republic seeks to assist persons in difficult situations by providing basic materials to them. He noted that government has a mastery in the management of refugees and has also stood by its citizens during catastrophies and challenging times such as the ongoing situation in the North West and South West Regions, Boko Haram insurgency in the Far North Region. “Humanitarian assistance is first of all the responsibility of the government. It is the government that outlines assistance policies and then works in collaboration with partners,” Minister Atanji Nji noted.  

According to the Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Carla Martinez, the 2021 humanitarian response plan, an initiative collectively worked upon by all stakeholders, has four main priority areas. Strengthening rapid response for emergencies, increasing humanitarian assistance factors, reducing vulnerability through collaboration and...