UNICEF: Armed groups recruited over 3,500 children in north-east

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says between 2013
and 2017, more than 3,500 children were recruited and used by
non-state armed groups in the north-east.

The agency said most of children have been used in the ongoing
armed conflict in north-east.

It noted that “these numbers are only those that have been
verified, while the true figures are likely to be higher”.

This was contained in a statement issued ahead of the fifth
anniversary of the Chibok girls abduction. The girls were abducted
on April 14, 2014.

According to UNICEF, in addition to the number mentioned above,
432 children were killed and maimed, 180 were abducted, and 43
girls were sexually abused in north-east Nigeria in 2018.

It said the anniversary of the abduction is a grim reminder that
widespread abductions of children and grave violations of
children’s rights continue to take place in the north-east.

“More than 3,500 children, most of whom were aged 13 to 17, were
recruited by non-state armed groups between 2013 and 2017 and have
been used in the ongoing armed conflict in north-east Nigeria,” the
agency said.

“In addition to these children, 432 children were killed and
maimed, 180 were abducted, and 43 girls were sexually abused in
north-east Nigeria in 2018.

“Meanwhile, more than 100 of the abducted Chibok girls remain
missing.

“The anniversary of the abduction, marked on 14 April, is a grim
reminder that widespread abductions of children and grave
violations of children’s rights continue to take place in the
north-east.”

Mohamed Fall, UNICEF representative in Nigeria, called for
children’s right protection, saying the parties involved in the
conflict should end the violation against children.

“Children should feel safe at home, in schools and on their
playgrounds at all times,” he said.

“We are calling on the parties to the conflict to fulfill their
obligations under international law to end violations against
children and to stop targeting civilian infrastructure, including
schools. This is the only way we can begin to make lasting
improvements in the lives of children in this devastated part of
Nigeria.

“Since 2012, non-state armed groups in north-east Nigeria have
recruited and used children as combatants and non-combatants, raped
and forced girls to marry, and committed other grave violations
against children. Some of the girls become pregnant in captivity
and give birth without any medical care or attention.

“UNICEF continues to offer its support to the Government of
Nigeria in its strong efforts to protect the country’s children.
UNICEF works with the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and
Social Development and other partners to support children who have
been rescued or escaped from captivity.

“In 2017 and 2018, UNICEF and its partners provided
community-based reintegration services to more than 9,800 people
formerly associated with armed groups, as well as vulnerable
children in communities.

“These services help to trace children’s families, return them
to their communities, and offer psycho-social support, education,
vocational training, informal apprenticeships, and opportunities to
improve livelihoods.”