The Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities has noted with great concern the unfolding story about the kidnapping of Nigerian schoolgirls and calls for their safe return home.
This follows the kidnapping of about 276 girls from their dormitory since the middle of April by an Islamist militant group Boko Haram with a further 8 taken from a village this week.
"Our prayers and thoughts are with the people of Nigeria especially the families of the schoolgirls during this difficult time. We call on their captors not to allow any harm to befall the children and to hand over the girls to authorities so that they can be safely reunited with their families," states Minister Lulu Xingwana.
Xingwana raised a concern that innocent children find themselves caught up in a situation that has the potential to negatively impact on their future. She further called on the Nigerian government and the international community to double efforts to secure the safe release of the girls.
The kidnapping of the schoolgirls is a serious human rights violation and a crime against humanity. It violates the rights of women and the girl child who are in most cases the biggest victims in conflict situations.
Meanwhile, Minister Xingwana has sent a message of support to her Nigerian counterpart Honourable Minister of Women Affairs Hajiya Zainab Maina and to the families of the abducted schoolgirls.
Enquiries:
Motalatale Modiba
Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 072 515 3022
Tel: 012 359 0023
Email: motalatale.modiba@dwcpd.gov.za
