Date : 2015.04.01

IMADR delivered a statement prepared with Women’s Consortium of Nigeria (WOCON)  on “Atrocities committed by Boko Haram in Nigeria” at the 23rd special session of the Human Rights Council in light of the terrorist attacks and human rights abuses and violations committed by the terrorist group Boko Haram. Whole text can be read below or downloaded here.

Find official documents and news about the 23rd special session. 

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Oral Statement: 23rd special session of the Human Rights Council

In light of the terrorist attacks and human rights abuses and violations committed by the terrorist group Boko Haram

1 April 2015

Thank you Mr. President,

We welcome this special session to address atrocities committed by Boko Haram.

Last year in May, with Nigerian NGOs, we sent an appeal to this Council, various African States and other stakeholders, calling for prompt and effective actions to collectively condemn crimes committed by Boko Haram, rescue the abducted girls and women, and bring perpetrators to justice. Yet, we regret that there has been too little progress on the fight against terrorist attacks and human rights violations by the militant group.

On 14th April last year, about 270 school girls were abducted in Chibok in Borno State and their whereabouts are still unknown. Since the horrific incident, Boko Haram has continued kidnapping of girls and women and killings of defenceless civilians under the pretext of propagating Islamic religion and opposition to western education. However, in fact, both Muslims and Christians are victims of Boko Haram’s atrocities. As a consequence, the group has had devastating impacts on Nigeria’s multi religious society.

On 28th March last week, Nigeria held the presidential election. This is about 2 weeks to the one year anniversary of the mass-abduction of the school girls who have not been able to return home. We regret the ineffectiveness of the Government’s actions so far, but we hope that a new government will be able to establish stability of the country.

In this manner, we call upon the Government of Nigeria to redouble its measures against Boko Haram in a renewed environment after the current elections.

• Firstly, Nigeria should make utmost efforts to protect civilians in northern Nigeria while countering threats from Boko Haram, and fully consult with victims and families who are in search of their loved ones.
• Secondly, Nigeria should take serious steps to implement laws and policies for the protection of girls and women especially, and the country as a whole.
• Thirdly, Nigeria should bring Boko Haram perpetrators to justice in accordance with the international standards.
• Lastly, Nigeria should implement relevant UPR recommendations in 2013.

We also urge the Council members to fully support Nigeria to restore peace and religious harmony in the country.

Thank you Mr. President.