Statement from WAGGGS on the kidnapping of 200+ girls in Nigeria

The following statement was made by the Word Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts:

12 May 2014

The World Association of Girl Guides and Girls Scouts (WAGGGS), the largest voluntary movement for girls and young women in the world, are deeply shocked and angered at the kidnapping over 200 schoolgirls in Nigeria. To kidnap girls and young women from the safety of their school is a clear violation of their human rights, to also publicly use the threat of violence against the girls and young women , including sexual violence, is appalling and totally unacceptable. Our thoughts are with the families of the girls and young women who must be suffering unimaginable pain and also with the Nigerian Girl Guides Association as they reach out to support the efforts to #BringBackOurGirls at this time.  

We demand that those responsible return every single girl to safety without delay and call on all international parties to use all resources necessary to secure the safe return of the girls and young women.

More information on #BringBackOurGirls and the kidnapping:

"Boko Haram holds girls, kills 300 Nigerians," USA Today, 7 May 2014

"CNN exclusive: Nigerian girl who escaped Boko Haram says she still feels afraid," CNN, 12 May 2014

"#BBCtrending: #RealMenDontBuyGirls and the #BringBackOurGirls campaign," BBC, 8 May 2014