#BringBackOurGirlsNYC: WHAT YOU CAN DO
#BringBackOurGirlsNYC: WHAT
YOU CAN DO
We have witnessed an unprecedented
outpouring of support from all over the world by ordinary people, students,
politicians, community leaders and entertainers - are all tweeting pictures of themselves with
signs saying, '#bringbackourgirls'. This global activism fortifies those within
the country and keeps the pressure on the Nigerian government to take credible
action. U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama also
used the platform of the President’s weekly address to lend her voice and
visibility to this critical issue.
But more is needed today!
But more is needed today!
1)
Additional pressure must be brought
to bear on the Nigerian government.
Diplomatic missions and embassies around the world should be targeted
for lobby visits, phone calls, and public demonstrations.
2)
International organizations like Amnesty
International, Human Rights Watch, as well as intergovernmental agencies like
UN WOMEN, UN Office for the Representative for Children in Armed Conflict, UN Office
for the Prevention of Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict led by Zainab Bangura,
or UNHCR must continue to demand respect for the rule of law and the rights of
women.
3)
The Nigerian Government must commit
to greater transparency. We urge daily
briefings where information can be shared with the families of abductees and
the general public
4)
The African Union and regional
governments must do everything in their power to address the root causes of
extremism in Nigeria, the sub-region, and throughout the continent.
5)
We applaud efforts of the
international community to host comprehensive dialogues on addressing
extremism. This global issue needs
global responses that do not solely rely on militarized responses. .
6)
We encourage US citizens to
call their representatives to express appreciation for efforts already taken,
while simultaneously urging greater action.
As a diaspora, we appreciate outpouring of help and support.
However, we want Nigeria to remain independent, autonomous, and sovereign.
Therefore, we would appreciate support to find the girls and reunite them with their families but we support
Nigeria’s sovereign right to remain in the foreground restoring these girls to normalcy
and guaranteeing the security and well-being of all its people.
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