Yaoundé, 21 July 2022 (TDI): UNICEF Cameroon and Japan reaffirmed collaboration on humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations in the Central African region.
The reaffirmation call came during a high-level meeting between UNICEF representative Nadine Perrault and the Japanese Ambassador to Cameroon, Takaoka Nozomu.
The @japanGov–@unicefcameroon partnership remains very strong. In an audience today between @NPerraultUNICEF & H.E TAKAOKA Nozomu, they both reaffirmed their collaboration to continue working together in providing humanitarian response to the most vulnerable populations. pic.twitter.com/eALmjb3NLV
— UNICEF Cameroon (@unicefcameroon) July 21, 2022
UNICEF-Japan collaboration in Central Africa
The Government of Japan and UNICEF aim to address the constant waves of refugees and returnees from the Central African Republic (CAR) through this collaboration.
The influx of refugees from CAR has generated critical humanitarian needs in the context of an already low level of coverage with basic social services.
Accordingly, the two will provide humanitarian assistance to improve access to basic health, nutrition, water, and sanitation. They will also provide child protection services for refugees, returnees, and host populations in the region.
Additionally, the partnership between UNICEF and Japan is set to address the most immediate needs of vulnerable populations, including children in the displaced sites. It will also create the conditions for the long-term resilience of the target communities.
Japan’s commitment to Africa’s development
The Japanese official at the occasion expressed that this contribution reflects the Japanese leadership toward Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 8).
TICAD is a ministerial-level meeting that discusses and deals with issues relating to the development of the African continent.
Also read: Japan and Africa partnerships gain recognition
Japan’s TICAD diplomacy is largely based on humanitarian purposes. The country has therefore made strides to enhance basic human needs and human security in the African continent.
Additionally, the Japanese government has held TICAD in affiliation with the UN, UNDP, the African Union, and the World Bank since 1993. TICAD 8 is scheduled to be held in Tunisia on August 27-28.
