The brutal activities of Boko Haram continue to represent a serious threat to the peace and security of Nigeria, but also the wider region, including Cameroon, Chad and Niger. They also involve the clear and persistent abuse of human rights, especially of women and girls, and a direct threat to education and education facilities. The abduction just over a year ago of more than 200 schoolgirls from Chibok appalled the world. It has been only one of a number of attacks on defenceless young people, and it still requires an adequate response. I once again urge the Government of Nigeria to commit the necessary resources to finding the girls and returning them to their families and their education.
Ireland has consistently condemned the acts of violence being perpetrated by Boko Haram. Most recently, at a Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on 1 April, we highlighted in particular the terrible human rights and humanitarian impact of the terrorist violence. The extent of the humanitarian crisis has also been emphasised by EU Foreign Affairs Ministers, most recently at the Foreign Affairs Council on 9 February. The EU has pledged to continue providing immediate relief to those in need and to increase our efforts at regional level. Ireland has recently provided some €1 million in humanitarian stocks to the NGO, Plan, for Nigerian refugees fleeing Boko Haram who are living in camps in northern Cameroon.
The recent military success in pushing Boko Haram back from major towns in north-eastern Nigeria provides an opportunity to bring the conflict to an end. It is critically important that the recently-established Multinational Joint Taskforce of troops from Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin continues its efforts to protect innocent people and to defeat the Boko Haram terrorists.
Ireland has joined with our EU partners in congratulating the Nigerian people on the conduct of peaceful national elections in recent weeks. I also welcome the commitment by President-elect Buhari to prioritise the ending of the conflict in the north east and the terrorist actions of Boko Haram.
