On the release of girls kidnapped by Boko Haram in Nigeria: Statement by HR/VP Federica Mogherini, Commissioner Neven Mimica and Commissioner Christos Stylianides

EU News 334/2016

Brussels, 13/10/2016

After two and a half years away from their homes and families, 21 Chibok girls kidnapped by Boko Haram,  are finally released. Amongst all the troubles in the world today we celebrate.

It is time to give these girls hope, life, a future.

Yet we cannot forget all the others who remain abducted with their families and those who have suffered from the violence of Boko Haram.

All efforts must continue to bring the perpetrators of this terrible act to account.

We congratulate the government of Nigeria, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and Switzerland, on the successful negotiations. We wish for the safe return of the girls to their families and their full reintegration into society.

The EU remains ready to assist the Government of Nigeria in its fight against Boko Haram, and in its humanitarian, development and reconstruction efforts. Violence has displaced 2,2 million people in North Eastern Nigeria. The EU provides humanitarian assistance to this vulnerable group, especially children, in the form of child protection, nutrition, psychosocial support, support to unaccompanied children and re-unification.

Source and additional information:
http://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/11978/statement-by-hrvp-federica-mogherini-neven-mimica-christos-stylianides-on-the-release-of-girls-kidnapped-by-boko-haram-in-nigeria_en

Photo credit: EU/ECHO/Isabel Coello URL

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