Released Chibok Girls: UNICEF move to provide psychological support, calls on Boko Haram to end violation against children

Following the return of 82 Chibok girls on Sunday from the captive hands of Boko Haram,the United Nations Children Emergency Funds (UNICEF) has pledged to support them with comprehensive psychological support as well as help in reuniting them to their families.

The Acting Representative of UNICEF Nigeria, Mr. Pernille Ironside disclosed this to newsmen over the weekend in Abuja.

According to him, the support becomes necessary as the girls will face a long and difficult process to rebuild their lives after the indescribable horror and trauma they have suffered at the hands of the Boko Haram.

“UNICEF welcomes Saturday’s release of over 80 of the girls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents at their school in Chibok over three years ago.

“It is heartening to know that the girls will be returning to their families who have been waiting for this day. They will face a long and difficult process to rebuild their lives after the indescribable horror and trauma they have suffered at the hands of Boko Haram.

“UNICEF is on standby to support the Nigerian authorities to provide the comprehensive already staff at a UNICEF supported health clinic have been supporting immediate efforts to identify the girls and conduct medical check-ups before their onward transport.

The UNICEF boss also called on Boko Haram to end all grave violations against children, especially the abduction of children and the sexual abuse and forced marriage of girls.

“We commend the government for this important achievement in helping to protect children impacted by the conflict in northeast Nigeria but remain deeply concerned for the thousands of women and children still held in captivity by Boko Haram. Greater efforts must be made to bring them all to safety and home to their families.

“UNICEF has a comprehensive response to help children who have been affected by the conflict in the Lake Chad Basin and works with national authorities to support hundreds of children and women who have escaped or been released from Boko Haram. Every child is unique and requires different levels of support, so there is no standard formula or defined timeframe for these children to recover.

He however pledged UNICEF continuous commitment in doing whatever it takes to help these children recover a sense of normalcy with our available resources.