Statement on Abduction of Nigerian School Girls: UNICEF

UNICEF NZ (UN Children’s Fund)
Media Release
7 May 2014

UNICEF Statement on Second Abduction of Nigerian School Girls

The abduction of eight more girls in Nigeria is an outrage and a worsening nightmare for the girls themselves and for the families of the more than 200 girls who have been stolen from their communities in the last several weeks.

That the girls are alleged to have been abducted to prevent them from attending school is especially abhorrent.

Sarah Morris, International Advocacy Manager at UNICEF NZ, said, “UNICEF NZ condemns the abduction of more than 200 girls in Nigeria. Such brutal acts of violence are unacceptable and the abduction of children is illegal under international law. Every child has a right to an education and to be able to learn in a safe environment.”

UNICEF calls on the abductors to immediately return these girls unharmed to their communities, and we implore all those with influence on the perpetrators to do everything they can to secure the safe return of the girls -- and to bring their abductors to justice.

Our hearts go out to the families of these girls. UNICEF continues to monitor the situation and expresses its solidarity with the people of Nigeria.

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