GAMCOTRAP and Child Protection Alliance in the Gambia expressed solidarity with the families, people and government of Nigeria to condemn the abduction of innocent girls by Boko Haram in Nigeria. GAMCOTRAP Executive Director, Dr. Isatou Touray in partnership with the National Coordinator for the Child protection Alliance (CPA), Mr Njundu Drammeh led her staff and volunteers to the Nigerian High Commission in the Gambia and read a statement of solidarity which was presented to Her Excellency, Ambassador, Madam, Esther John Audu.
L-R: National Coordinator, Child Protection Alliance, Njundu Drammeh, Ambassador Esther John Audu and Executive Director Of GAMCOTRAP Dr. Isatou Touray
In the joint statement read by Dr. Touray, it was important to show solidarity because such terrorist act transcends borders and boundaries of Nigeria and should be condemned to protect the name of Islam. The statement states it should be a cause of concern for all of our countries. No country should remain complacent given the current trends of abuses meted on girls in the name of religion. The predicament of the girls into all forms of violence was highlighted and the Boko Haram leader was condemned for not only acknowledging the abduction of the innocent girls but also declaring them for sale as if they are not human being but commodities. Dr. Touray described the act as a serious bridge of the principles to which Islam is founded upon. Islam respects the dignity of the person, especially women, and is clearly stipulated in the Holy Quran in various verses underscoring the respect and dignity of the woman.
The statement underscored the abduction of the girls as violence against women, misogynistic, satanic and outright evil against women, and is certainly not Islamic.
Dr. Isatou Touray reading Solidarity statement as part of the global campaign on “Bring Back Our Girls” at the Nigerian Embassy head office in the Gambia
It recognized education as key in every society especially for the empowerment of women and girls, and urged parents not to relent on their efforts to educate their girl-child. It urged the people to resist the efforts to silence the empowerment of women and their emancipation.
Directing the appeal to the government of Nigeria and the world at large, the activists demand for active response without any reservations to deal with these criminals who profess to be Muslim while defying its basic principles as well as the respect for the dignity of the person and humanity.
Ambassador Audu accepting solidarity Statement flanked by her colleagues at the embassy headquarters on Bertling Highway
In accepting the statement, The Nigerian Ambassador, thanked GAMCOTRAP and the Child Protection Alliance for demonstrating their concern and show of solidarity at a trying time for the families of the girls and the people of Nigeria to see to it that the ills of society is being addressed. She noted that the signs have been emerging since 2002. She urged those carrying out such acts to be concern about building Africa and not destruction of property and life. She recalled the peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians in the North where she grew up and went to school, thus she is aware that Islam and Christianity preach peace. Targeting Nigeria is targeting Africa, she noted. Her Excellency called on Boko Haram to re-think their acts and repent because if you destroy a woman you destroy the whole world. Claiming to be instructed to sell human being is crime against God. Ambassador Esther asserted that Africa is not interested in going back but rather moving forward. She called on all to instil the culture of peace and love and actively work for the development of our countries.
The demonstration of solidarity coincided with the visit of senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria in Abuja and it is expected that they will take back the message of solidarity from GAMCOTRAP and Child Protection Alliance to Nigeria.
The event in Nigeria against innocent girls goes to highlight the importance of the One Billion Rising Campaign to end Violence against Women. This global grassroots initiative initiated by Eve Ensler is very important for the promotion and protection of women’s rights irrespective of what our religious or political affiliations may be. All nations must join the One Billion Rising campaign to end violence against women. We must amplify our voices and work beyond boundaries and borders because it is a threatening phenomenon that is moving from one region to another.
The statement concluded that the revolution is to fight against violence targeting women. We must rise against injustice no matter who it is directed at.
Read GAMCOTRAP’s Statement, IN SYMPATHY WITH THE GOVERNMENT AND FAMILIES IN NIGERIA FOR THE RECENT BOKO HARAM ATROCITIES.
Prepared by GAMCOTRAP
8th May 2014
