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2) Nigeria


We are deeply concerned about the outrageous claims made in a video
believed to be by the leader of Boko Haram in Nigeria yesterday, in
which he brazenly says he will sell the abducted schoolgirls “in the
market” and “marry them off”, referring to them as “slaves”.


We condemn the violent abduction of these girls, reportedly at
gunpoint from their school in Chibok in Borno State in northeastern
Nigeria. We warn the perpetrators that there is an absolute prohibition
against slavery and sexual slavery in international law. These can,
under certain circumstances, constitute crimes against humanity. The
girls must be immediately returned, unharmed, to their families.


The High Commissioner has contacted the President of Nigeria and
urged the Government to ensure that it spares no effort to ensure the
safe return of the girls to their homes and communities. In a letter
signed by Navi Pillay, along with the Executive Director of UN Women,
the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence
in Conflict and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on
Children and Armed Conflict, the four African UN women leaders reminded
the Nigerian Government of its legal responsibility to ensure that girls
and boys have the fundamental rights to education and to be protected
from violence, persecution and intimidation.


As the High Commissioner said during her visit to Nigeria earlier
this year, the actions of Boko Haram have grown increasingly monstrous.
The group has targeted some people simply because of their religion or
professional occupation – and in this case, simply because the girls
were enrolled in school.


We urge the authorities to take all necessary measures, consistent
with human rights, to protect their people from these violations and
crimes. It is particularly important that the local state authorities
and the federal government cooperate fully. Failure to undertake
effective measures that are within the authorities' means to protect
people is a violation of human rights. However, States assisting Nigeria
in its counter-terrorism operations should also ensure that they stay
within the remits of international law.