| answer text |
<p>We are deeply concerned by recurrent clashes involving pastoralists and local farmers
over land, farming rights, grazing routes and access to water in Nigeria. These conflicts,
which are exacerbated by climate change and population growth, cause immense suffering
to both the pastoralist and farming communities in Central and Northern Nigeria. Due
to the complex nature of the causes of these clashes which often take place in rural
areas it is difficult to give accurate data on the number of people affected.</p><p>Since
2011 through the Department for International Development's £39 million Nigeria Stability
and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP), the UK has supported a range of initiatives and
economic projects designed to reduce such conflict and build bridges between communities
across Nigeria, including in the Middle Belt. The NSRP is due to finish in September
and will be reviewed.</p><p>We regularly stress the importance of protecting human
rights and reducing conflict to the Nigerian Government at the highest levels and
we welcome President Buhari's commitment to prioritise ending these attacks. We continue
to call on all parties to find a peaceful solution to the complex underlying causes
of these incidents and will continue to work with the Nigerian Government, NGOs and
civil society to improve the security situation and human rights for all the people
of Nigeria.</p>
|
|
