Globalization: Are You In or Are You Out?

Thousands displaced by Boko Haram seek refuge along deserted highway

The featured story in today’s NY Times, “Fleeing Boko Haram, Thousands Cling to a Road to Nowhere,” illustrates the dire conditions of thousands of people displaced by Boko Haram who settled along National Route 1. Times journalists interviewed and documented the stories of more than 100 people who fled Boko Haram and now live along the paved stretch of deserted highway north of the city of Diffa, Niger. Food and water is scarce in the region, but residents feel a sense of safety and security because Niger’s military regularly patrols the area.

International humanitarian agencies, including Doctors without Borders and the International Rescue Committee, provide some aid, but are limited in their capacity to help. Despite being one of the poorest areas in the country, local communities help an estimated 80 percent of the displaced with food and shelter. UNICEF set up 27 schools in the region, but fewer than half of the 137,000 children in the area attend school.

Earlier this month, the UN urged long-term action in the fight against Boko Haram and pledged its support to Nigeria’s government. Aid services are desperately needed to help 8.5 million people affected by the fight with Boko Haram and resulting humanitarian crisis.

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