Statement on the Attack Against Humanitarian Workers in Northeast Nigeria
Statement by Marie-Pierre Poirier, UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa
NEW YORK (March 2, 2018) –“UNICEF is shocked by the attack on 1 March in Rann, Borno State, in which three aid workers lost their lives, three were injured and one is reportedly missing.
“One of these brave workers who lost their lives, and the nurse who is missing, were on the frontline providing critical services supported by UNICEF. The two others who were killed were working for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
“We strongly condemn this attack on selfless aid professionals, who were working in the most difficult humanitarian conditions.
“Alarmingly, the number of attacks on aid workers is increasing around the world, and we must stand together to reaffirm our commitment to protect them. Humanitarian workers should never be a target.
“UNICEF offers its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to all IOM staff members. We will continue to work with the Government to ensure safe return of those missing.”
About UNICEF
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. UNICEF USA supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.
For more information, contact:
Sophie Aziakou, UNICEF USA, 917.720.1397, saziakou@unicefusa.org
Erica Vogel, UNICEF USA, 212.922.2480, evogel@unicefusa.org