Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, has advocated concerted collective responsibility by international community towards protecting and supporting victims of terrorism.
Badaru, who spoke during the fifth Ministerial meeting of the Group of Friends of Victims of terrorism at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, stated that Nigeria is proud to have been involved in the 2023 8th Review of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy (GCTS) which emphasized dignity and respect for victims of terrorism which also recognized their role in preventing and countering terrorism.
He urged for increased protection and assistance for survivors and their communities, promoting dialogue and tolerance through inclusive, community-led initiatives to foster social cohesion.
The Minister highlighted the role of education in providing employment and income opportunities, affording young people a sense of community, developing critical thinking skills as well as building resilience against recruitment and by extension, preventing terrorism. “We urge greater support of investment in the provision and restoration of qualitative, holistic and innovative educational opportunities for victims of terrorism,” he said.
He re-emphasized Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of victims of terrorism and supporting their needs as well as condemned the targeting of schools by terrorist groups and the abduction of school children, thereby denying them the much needed education.
While commending the United Nations office of Counter-Terrorism led by Vladimir Voronkov for his pivotal role in promoting international solidarity in support of the victims, he said that the collective responsibility to the affected communities will contribute towards enhanced support for victims of terrorism.