UNICEF has welcomed the release of nearly six hundred women,
children and elderly men from Giwa military barracks in Maiduguri, Borno State,
Nigeria, reports NaijaAgroNet.
“The action of the Nigerian army today is a major step
towards the protection of children affected by the ongoing crisis. It provides
hope in a conflict that continues to have an enormous impact on people’s
lives.’’
“These children were held under administrative custody on
alleged association with Boko Haram militants. They are victims of the conflict
and it is crucial that they receive medical care, psychosocial support and
other basic services that will help them to regain their dignity.”
“Once that process of recovery has started, we can help them
to return to their families and to school or learn new skills that will give them
some hope for the future.”
UNICEF continues to work with the relevant authorities to
access children who are held for screening in order to safeguard their care and
protection.
When military screening is needed, children should only be
held as a measure of last resort and for the shortest time possible in
accordance with national and international standards. These children are –
first and foremost – victims of the conflict and require support to recover
from their experiences and reintegrate with their families and communities.
Uboshe Uboshe/GEE
... Linking agrobiz, sustainable environs, people & technology