Kidnapping of school children in Nigeria

That this House expresses its deep concern at the recent mass kidnapping of hundreds of school children and teachers in Nigeria; condemns the targeting of schools and the abduction of children, which constitutes a grave violation of human rights and international humanitarian norms; notes the urgent warnings issued by UNICEF regarding the escalating threats to children’s safety and education in the region; highlights how we should work with international partners, including child-protection agencies, to support efforts aimed at securing the safe release of all those still held captive; and urges the Government to strengthen of measures to protect schools and learners from armed groups across the world to help them access education free from violence, fear, or intimidation.