Date : 2015.07.01

IMADR presented its joint oral statement with Women’s Consortium of Nigeria (WOCON)   on “Protection of civilians from Boko Haram atrocities” at the 29th session of the Human Rights Council. Whole text can be read below or downloaded here. 

———

IMADR-WOCON Joint Oral Statement: 29^th session of the Human Rights Council

Item 2: Interactive Dialogue on OHCHR oral update on atrocities committed by the terrorist group Boko Haram and its effects on human rights in the affected States

1 July 2015

Thank you Mr. President,

IMADR and Women’s Consortium of Nigeria (WOCON) appreciate this special attention given to the heinous crimes committed by Boko Haram, and its negative impacts on human rights. However, we regret that most of the abducted girls from Chibok last year are still missing. We are disturbed by reports of further abduction of thousands of women and children, forced marriage, rapes and forced conversion and recruitment of abductees by Boko Haram. We call upon all the Council members to support the Government of Nigeria to combat the terrorist group, and restore peace and religious harmony in the country.

Although we acknowledge some progresses made by the Government, we are also concerned by alleged human rights abuses committed by the Nigerian military including enforced disappearances, torture and extrajudicial killings, which were reported by Amnesty International.

Against this backdrop, we reiterate our previous calls to the Government of Nigeria as well as to its neighbors to protect civilians in counter efforts against Boko Haram. We especially call upon Nigeria to adopt following measures:

– Firstly, the Government should ensure the safety of civilians in northern Nigeria while countering Boko Haram and investigate allegations of military human rights abuses against civilians;

– Secondly, victims and their families should be fully consulted and provided with sufficient protection and remedies including individual assessment and provision for their mental health needs, education, livelihoods and social integration.

– Thirdly, the Government should take immediate steps to implement laws and policies for the protection of girls and women.

– Lastly, perpetrators of human rights violations and international crimes must be brought to justice regardless of their status or affiliation.

Thank you Mr. President.