European parliament, the legislative branch of the European
Union has stated that there's been no progress in the fight against Boko Haram.
In its resolution on January 16, 2020, the group of 28
countries that operates as a cohesive economic and political block lamented
over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria.
The group which decried an alleged ill-treatment of children
detained in military facilities, reminded the Nigerian government of its
obligation to protect the rights of children and to ensure protection and
provide care to those affected by terrorism or conflict.
It also asked the Nigerian government to allow UN's access
to its military detention facilities and to also sign a formal handover
protocol to ensure that children detained by the military are quickly
transferred to appropriate child protection authorities.
The parliament said it;
“Deplores the terrorist attacks which have taken place in
the country; reiterates its concern about the protracted crisis in Nigeria and
the volatile security situation in the north-east, and strongly condemns the
repeated violations of human rights, international and humanitarian law,
whether based on religion or ethnicity.
“Condemns in particular the recent increase in violence
against ethnic and religious communities, including the targeting of religious
institutions and worshippers.
“Deplores that progress has stalled in the fight against
Boko Haram, ISWAP and the increased occurrence and severity of suicide attacks
and direct attacks against military positions; recalls that Nigeria’s President
Buhari was re-elected in 2019 on the promise of defeating the violent extremism
promoted by Boko Haram and other terror groups, and urges the President to
implement his campaign promises.
“Urges the Nigerian authorities to guarantee respect for
human rights in the country, and to protect the civilian population from
terrorism and violence; insists that such efforts must be conducted in full
accordance with respect for human rights and the rule of law, in line with the
country’s international obligations.
“Considers any form of extermination of human beings or
ethnic cleansing barbaric and a crime against humanity; urges the Nigerian
Government to address the root causes of violence by ensuring equal rights for
all citizens and non-discrimination legislation; insists, in this regard, on
the need to further promote inter-religious dialogue and the peaceful
coexistence of citizens irrespective of their religion, engaging with all
relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Inter-religious Council.”
