CLC condemns kidnapping of schoolgirls in Nigeria

The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) condemns the recent kidnapping by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram of more than 300 schoolgirls aged 9 to 15 years of age, from Chibok village, Borno State in northeastern Nigeria. The threat by this armed group to sell the abducted girls for marriage as retribution for their exposure to Western education is a repugnant testimony to the realities of sexual slavery and in clear violation of international law as a crime against humanity.

All those responsible must be found, arrested, charged, prosecuted and jailed. The CLC calls on the Canadian government to exercise urgent diplomatic measures with Nigeria and United Nations authorities to rescue the girls without delay and to seek their release. Canada should also join a U.S. offer to send a special investigation team, in response to a call for help from the Nigerian government to assist in finding the girls.

Chris Uyot, a leader of the Nigeria Labour Congress, attending a convention of the Canadian Labour Congress this week in Montreal joined the more than 4,000 Canadian delegates in calling on the Canadian and Nigerian governments for a swift and effective response to the crisis.

The CLC calls on its members to support the international Bring Back Our Girls campaign.