PHM-Exch> [PHM News] PHM Nigeria: Bring back our girls!

[Claudio Schuftan]

*PHM Nigeria Statement on the Abducted Chibok School Girls*


People’s Health Network Initiative Nigeria (PHM Nigeria) strongly condemns
the abduction of over 200 girls by the Boko Haram (Jama’atu Ahlus Sunnah
Lidda Awati Wal Jihad) from their school premises in Chibok, Borno State,
Nigeria. PHM Nigeria is part of the People’s Health Movement (PHM), a
global network bringing together grassroots activists, civil society
organizations, academics and health workers from around the world (
www.phmovement.org).


The right to education is a fundamental human right and thus depriving the
girls of their right to education as well as right to live in safety,
dignity and peace is a violation of international law and human rights law.
All the girls want is to gain an education and be the best they can be to
the society and the country at large.


Ideologies, religion and beliefs of one group should not infringe others
and as such no moral justification for the actions of this misguided group
(Boko Haram). We want them to know that real men do not buy or sell girls.
“The sale of children, including for the purposes of sexual exploitation,
forced marriage and sexual slavery constitutes an intolerable crime, and is
prohibited by international law,” (UN Special Rapporteur on the sale of
children, child prostitution and child pornography,).

   -  We therefore appeal and urge the Boko Haram armed group for the
   immediate release and safe return of the girls.
   - We call on the international communityincluding the AU, OIC member
   states and UN to support the Nigerian government efforts to get the
   abducted girls released and returned safely to their families.
   - We urge the Nigerian government to do everything in its power to
   ensure the safe release of the girls.
   - We also urge the Nigerian government to put measures in place to
   prevent re-occurrence of similar abduction in all parts of the country.

PHM Nigeria joins the international community in condemning this heinous
act of abduction and supports the joint effort around the world to fight
this terrorist act and free our girls.


Our thoughts are with these girls and their families.

*People’s Health Network Initiative Nigeria (PHM Nigeria)*

*May 2014*
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