Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 April 2017
232. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which women and girls held hostage by Boko Haram or other similar organisations remain the focus of the international community with a view to ensuring their release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18644/17]
View answerI am deeply concerned by the human rights abuses being perpetrated by Boko Haram, including the taking hostage of women and girls.
We, and the broader international community, have consistently called on all parties to ensure that abductions and kidnappings by Boko Haram and other groups cease and that all those who have been taken hostage are released.
The UN estimates that, since 2012, thousands of women and girls have been abducted by Boko Haram. During this time, more than 1,000 child abductees have escaped or been rescued. The risk of abduction in the north-east of Nigeria remains high and there have been further abductions this year.
Since they were abducted by Boko Haram in April 2014, Ireland has consistently called for the release of the Chibok schoolgirls. I welcomed the news in October 2016 of the release of 21 girls following talks facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Swiss Government.
The international community remains engaged in dialogue with the Nigerian Government on how to enhance security and build safe communities. In order to assist the Nigerian Government in creating a safe and secure environment for its people, the EU and UN have continued to provide assistance. Last year, the EU pledged support of up to €50 million in support of the Multinational Joint Taskforce, which supports 8,700 troops from Nigeria and other West African countries. Since 2014 the EU has also contributed over €74 million in humanitarian assistance to Nigeria.
Ireland will continue to monitor developments closely through our embassy in Abuja, which remains in close contact with the Nigerian authorities on the threat posed by Boko Haram.
