HRC56: Oral Statement during the adoption of Nigeria UPR outcome

Item 6: Nigeria UPR Outcome

Organisation: Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)

Speaker:Ellis Heasley

Thank you, Mr President,

CSW welcomes Nigeria’s participation in the UPR process and its support for six recommendations relating to combatting terrorism.

However, we are perturbed by a seeming lack of urgency at both governmental and international levels as terrorist attacks and mass abductions continue across central and northern Nigeria.

Violence in June included the return of suicide bombings in Borno State, the killing of praying mourners in Plateau State, and the executions of three Christians in Yobe State after terrorists intercepted a commercial vehicle.

Thus, swift implementation of these recommendations remains essential.

Nigeria also supported a recommendation from Indonesia to ‘redouble efforts’ to address kidnappings.

However, in the first two weeks of 2024 alone, there were at least 230 abductions for ransom, mostly involving multiple victims.

Moreover, on 24 March, 137 of a reported 287 school children kidnapped in Kaduna State were released, amid controversy regarding actual numbers. 87 people were abducted in southern Kaduna on 17 March, and on 19 May around 15 people were abducted in Abuja.

We urge Nigeria to significantly increase efforts to ensure the safe return of all in terrorist captivity, and, in line with the supported recommendation from Zambia, to combat impunity by bringing perpetrators to justice.

We also urge that its counter-terrorism strategy prioritises the protection of schools and communities which have lacked adequate security for far too long.

Thank you.