UN Security Council considers action against Boko Haram

They also reminded member states that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.   The Council said this in a statement forwarded to Daily Trust on the current security situation in Nigeria.They also expressed their outrage at […]

They also reminded member states that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.   The Council said this in a statement forwarded to Daily Trust on the current security situation in Nigeria.
They also expressed their outrage at and condemned the abduction of the schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State as well as the reported abduction of other eight girls in Warabe.
They demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all the abducted girls still in captivity and further expressed their deep concern at statements made by the alleged leader of Boko Haram threatening to sell the girls as slaves.
While condemning all abuses of human rights where applicable, violations of international humanitarian law, including those involving sexual and gender-based violence, abductions and attacks against schools and hospitals and their personnel, the council members underlined that all perpetrators of such acts must be held accountable at national or international levels, and that some of those acts may amount to crimes against humanity under international law.
They welcomed the ongoing efforts of the Nigeria government to ensure the safe return of the abducted girls to their families, as well as international efforts to provide assistance and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Council members therefore called on the international community, in particular States in the region, to work closely with the Nigerian authorities in that regard.
They reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of its motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group.    
They underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Nigerian authorities in that regard.