341: Resolution on the human rights situation of the abducted Chibok girls and other abducted victims in Nigeria

The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights(the Commission) meeting at its 58th Ordinary Session, held in Banjul, The Islamic Republic of The Gambia, from 6 - 20 April 2016

Recalling its mandate to promote and protect human and peoples' rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (the African Charter) and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (The Maputo Protocol);

Considering that the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a Party to the African Charter and the Maputo Protocol and committed itself to securing human and peoples' rights within its territory;

Noting Article 3(f) and (h) of the Constitutive Act of the African Union (AU) which states that the objectives of the AU shall be to promote peace, security, and stability on the continent, as well as human and peoples' rights in accordance with the African Charter and other relevant human rights instruments;

Recalling its previous Resolutions on the human rights situation in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in particular Resolutions ACHPR/Res.214 (LI) 2012, ACHPR/Res. 211 (EXT.OS/XI) 2012, ACHPR/Res.267 EXT.OS/XV) 2014, and ACHPR/Res.298 (EXT.OS/XVII) 2015 which condemned acts of violence committed by Boko Haram resulting, inter alia, in the abduction of girls, loss of lives, injuries, destruction of property, internal displacements and other human rights violations in the country;

Deeply concerned by the abduction on 14 April 2014 by Boko Haram of over 200 girls from the boarding house of a secondary school in the village of Chibok, Borno State, and further abductions of girls from the villages of Warabe and Wala, in Borno State, on 6 May, 2014;

Conscious of the efforts made by the authorities of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which led to the release of hundreds of women and children from Boko Haram strongholds;

Noting the collective efforts of the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union, Member States of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, the Multinational Joint Task Force, and the entire international community towards combating terrorism and transnational organized crime on the continent, and in particular, in the fight against Boko Haram;

Deeply concerned about the lack of reliable and current information on the situation of the Chibok Girls, 2 years after their abduction, and further allegations that these girls have been forced to join Boko Haram;

The Commission:

i. Strongly condemns the continuous human rights violations perpetrated by Boko Haram members in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in neighbouring countries;

ii. Urges the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to:

- continue and intensify its efforts towards the release of the Chibok girls and other abducted persons;

- investigate, prosecute and bring to trial the perpetrators of abuses committed by the Boko Haram members;

- take the necessary measures, including by implementing laws and programmes and establishing effective mechanisms in order to guarantee the safety and security of its citizens, in particular women and girls;

- take further meanings for reintegration and rehabilitation of rescued girls;

iii. Urges African States to strengthen regional and international cooperation in combatting terrorism and trafficking in women and children.

Done in Banjul, the Islamic Republic of The Gambia, 20 April 2016