The deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called for the support of international non-governmental organisations and relevant government agencies to address the humanitarian crisis in the South-East.

Mr Kalu, who made the call on Monday at a roundtable with some International NGOs in Abuja, said that the South-East was facing a severe humanitarian crisis.

The politician explained that the zone was characterised by displacement, violence, and ecological challenges, including natural disasters like gully erosion that have destroyed homes and left many without shelter.

According to him, there are over 268,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) spread across 158 camps and affected communities. 

The deputy speaker said that the states most affected are Enugu, Imo, Abia, Anambra, and Ebonyi.

Mr Kalu said many people in the region lacked access to clean water, adequate shelter, healthcare, and education. 

The deputy speaker said the purpose of the roundtable discussion was to explore avenues for deeper partnerships, to engender resilience, and to deliver sustainable solutions to some of the nation’s most pressing ecological issues.

Mr Kalu emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to provide immediate humanitarian relief and sustainable development solutions in the region. 

He said that thematic areas for intervention include education, healthcare and nutrition, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), mental health support, gender-based violence and shelter.

The deputy speaker said his office was committed to championing legislative inputs that could be paramount to the issues.

(NAN)