GENEVA (12 April 2017) – A fresh appeal is being made to the Nigerian Government by UN human rights experts* to take all necessary measures to rescue 195 girls still missing after they were kidnapped in 2014 from their secondary school in Chibok, northeastern Nigeria.
“It is deeply shocking that three years after this deplorable and devastating act of violence, the majority of the girls remain missing,” said the UN Special Rapporteurs, who visited Nigeria last year.
The girls were among 276 students abducted at gunpoint on 14 April 2014 by the Boko Haram militant group. The experts welcomed the release of 21 of the captives in October 2016 as “a positive step forward and a chance for them to start their long journey to recovery and rehabilitation”.
But they stressed: “As more and more time passes there is a risk that the fate of the remaining girls will be forgotten. We cannot allow this to happen. There must be more that the Government of Nigeria, with the support of the international community, can do to locate and rescue them.
“Their continued captivity is a source of immense pain for their families and communities, and is simply unacceptable,” the experts added.
“We must also remember that the Chibok girls are not the only ones who have been suffering such violence at the hands of Boko Haram. As outlined in the report produced after our visit to Nigeria, thousands of women and children are thought to have been abducted since 2012.
“We must make sure that all possible measures are taken to locate and rescue all of them from abuse at the hands of Boko Haram,” they said.
“It is also vital to remember that release is just the first step that the Chibok girls and others captured by Boko Haram must take in order to start rebuilding their lives. Rehabilitation and reintegration is not easy and we must ensure that all those rescued are provided with all necessary support. This must include working with the communities and securing access to justice.
“A comprehensive approach to addressing challenges in northeastern Nigeria would provide an opportunity not only to reintegrate the women and children affected by Boko Haram but also to strengthen the health and educational sectors which are crucial for peace, security and sustainable development in Nigeria,” concluded the experts.
(*) The UN experts: Ms. Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, Special Rapporteur on the sale of children; Ms. Urmila Bhoola, Special Rapporteur on slavery; Mr. Dainius Pūras, Special Rapporteur on the right to health; Ms. Maria Grazia Giammarinaro, Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children; Ms. Dubravka Šimonović, Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences; and Ms. Alda Facio, current Chair-Rapporteur of the Working Group on the issue of discrimination against women in law and in practice.
The Special Rapporteurs and Working Groups are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.
UN Human Rights, country page: Nigeria
- See more at: http://www.ohchr.org/FR/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=21494&LangID=E#sthash.j8Sw8OVL.dpuf
Friday, April 14, 2017
Kim Jong-un appears at massive Pyongyang parade
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has made an appearance at an immense military parade celebrating the birthday of his late grandfather and North Korea founder Kim Il-sung.
State television showed Kim, wearing a black suit and white shirt, stepping out of a black limousine and saluting his honour guard before walking down a red carpet on Saturday.
He then walked up to a podium and clapped with senior government officials to address the thousands of soldiers and a massive crowd taking part in the parade in the capital, Pyongyang.
A submarine-launched ballistic missile was displayed at the parade for the first time.
South Korean analysts had predicted that the North would use the parade to showcase its strategic weapons, such as prototype intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Al Jazeera's Craig Leeson, reporting from Seoul, in the South, said Kim Il-sung's birthday, also known as the Day of the Sun, is a day for celebration in North Korea, but also a day for analysts to observe the military parade.
"What we've seen already is that it's a very large parade. We had expected it would possibly be the largest that they've held," our correspondent said.
He said analysts are noting who is standing beside Kim Jong-un - on his right, the country's second-highest ranking official, who heads the military, and on his left, the country's premier.
"What analysts believe is that this is sending a message that Kim Jong-un maintains his dual track policy," Leeson said.
"That is the military deterrent and developing that military deterrent. And on his left, the economic policy, bringing North Korea into the modern world. That includes the business world, engaging China, its biggest trading partner, and maintaining its strenght on the peninsula."
'Military hysteria'
In his annual New Year's address, Kim said that the country's preparations for an inter-continental ballistic missile launch have "reached the final stage". Analysts say commercial satellite images from recent weeks indicate increased activity around North Korea's nuclear test site.
State television showed Kim, wearing a black suit and white shirt, stepping out of a black limousine and saluting his honour guard before walking down a red carpet on Saturday.
He then walked up to a podium and clapped with senior government officials to address the thousands of soldiers and a massive crowd taking part in the parade in the capital, Pyongyang.
A submarine-launched ballistic missile was displayed at the parade for the first time.
South Korean analysts had predicted that the North would use the parade to showcase its strategic weapons, such as prototype intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Al Jazeera's Craig Leeson, reporting from Seoul, in the South, said Kim Il-sung's birthday, also known as the Day of the Sun, is a day for celebration in North Korea, but also a day for analysts to observe the military parade.
"What we've seen already is that it's a very large parade. We had expected it would possibly be the largest that they've held," our correspondent said.
He said analysts are noting who is standing beside Kim Jong-un - on his right, the country's second-highest ranking official, who heads the military, and on his left, the country's premier.
"What analysts believe is that this is sending a message that Kim Jong-un maintains his dual track policy," Leeson said.
"That is the military deterrent and developing that military deterrent. And on his left, the economic policy, bringing North Korea into the modern world. That includes the business world, engaging China, its biggest trading partner, and maintaining its strenght on the peninsula."
'Military hysteria'
In his annual New Year's address, Kim said that the country's preparations for an inter-continental ballistic missile launch have "reached the final stage". Analysts say commercial satellite images from recent weeks indicate increased activity around North Korea's nuclear test site.
Drug firms bid to block 'conveyor belt' of executions in Arkansas
Two pharmaceutical companies have joined a legal bid to prevent their drugs from being used to execute seven US prison inmates in the space of 11 days.
In a court filing, Fresenius Kabi USA and West-Ward Pharmaceuticals said they object to their products being used by the state of Arkansas for lethal injections as it "runs counter to the manufacturers' mission to save and enhance patients' lives".
They added that the use of their drugs "carries with it not only a public health risk, but also reputational, fiscal and legal risks".
The unprecedented schedule of executions was announced after Arkansas prison officials acquired a supply of potassium chloride, adding to the stock of midazolam they currently have.
The two drugs are part of the three used in lethal injection executions in the US.
Fresenius Kabi said it believes it manufactured the potassium chloride, while West-Ward is believed to have made the state's supply of midazolam.
However, both companies say they have put strict controls on supplies and do not know how their products were purchased by officials.
"We can only conclude Arkansas may have acquired this product from an unauthorised seller," a Fresenius Kabi spokesperson said.
"Pharmaceuticals obtained in this manner are at risk of adulteration or chemical change due to improper handling such as failure to maintain proper temperature levels during storage and transport."
In a court filing, Fresenius Kabi USA and West-Ward Pharmaceuticals said they object to their products being used by the state of Arkansas for lethal injections as it "runs counter to the manufacturers' mission to save and enhance patients' lives".
They added that the use of their drugs "carries with it not only a public health risk, but also reputational, fiscal and legal risks".
The unprecedented schedule of executions was announced after Arkansas prison officials acquired a supply of potassium chloride, adding to the stock of midazolam they currently have.
The two drugs are part of the three used in lethal injection executions in the US.
Fresenius Kabi said it believes it manufactured the potassium chloride, while West-Ward is believed to have made the state's supply of midazolam.
However, both companies say they have put strict controls on supplies and do not know how their products were purchased by officials.
"We can only conclude Arkansas may have acquired this product from an unauthorised seller," a Fresenius Kabi spokesperson said.
"Pharmaceuticals obtained in this manner are at risk of adulteration or chemical change due to improper handling such as failure to maintain proper temperature levels during storage and transport."
Star Wars: The Last Jedi trailer unveiled
The much-anticipated first trailer for Star Wars: The Last Jedi has been unveiled.
Director Rian Johnson unveiled a teaser at the Star Wars Celebration fan event in Orlando, Florida.
The two-minute footage offers few clues - but it does feature Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker, seen from a dark cave and saying ominously that "it's time for the Jedi to end".
It also features Daisy Ridley, who stars as Rey, and teases dramatic battle scenes as well as some stunning scenery shots.
Ridley said part of the story in The Last Jedi is that it can be difficult to "meet your heroes".
The Last Jedi - Episode VIII in the Star Wars universe - is the second in the current trilogy, coming after The Force Awakens.
The Star Wars Celebrations event over the past two days has featured a surprise Harrison Ford appearance and a touching tribute to the late Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia in the original trilogy and reprised her role in The Force Awakens.
The event lasts four days.
The Last Jedi, which will open in cinemas in December, will also see Kylo Ren star Adam Driver return.
Director Rian Johnson unveiled a teaser at the Star Wars Celebration fan event in Orlando, Florida.
The two-minute footage offers few clues - but it does feature Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker, seen from a dark cave and saying ominously that "it's time for the Jedi to end".
It also features Daisy Ridley, who stars as Rey, and teases dramatic battle scenes as well as some stunning scenery shots.
Ridley said part of the story in The Last Jedi is that it can be difficult to "meet your heroes".
The Last Jedi - Episode VIII in the Star Wars universe - is the second in the current trilogy, coming after The Force Awakens.
The Star Wars Celebrations event over the past two days has featured a surprise Harrison Ford appearance and a touching tribute to the late Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia in the original trilogy and reprised her role in The Force Awakens.
The event lasts four days.
The Last Jedi, which will open in cinemas in December, will also see Kylo Ren star Adam Driver return.
Islamic State says no fighter killed by mother of all bombs
The Islamic State group has denied suffering any casualties when the US dropped the so-called mother of all bombs in Afghanistan.
The strike on Thursday hit an Islamic State mountain hideout in a remote area of Nangarhar province, in eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border.
It was the first time the US military had unleashed the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, its largest non-nuclear bomb, in combat.
Islamic State issued a statement through its propaganda agency Amaq, saying: "Security source to Amaq agency denies any dead or wounded from yesterday's American strike in Nangarhar using a GBU-43/B."
Afghan officials said the attack left 36 IS fighters dead but caused no civilian casualties.
The top US military commander in Afghanistan said the decision to deploy one of the largest conventional bombs ever used in combat was purely tactical.
"This is the right weapon for the right target," said US General John W. Nicholson, the NATO commander in Afghanistan.
:: Analysis: Trump can't 'flip-flop' on foreign policy forever
The attack, in an area that had seen heavy fighting in recent weeks between Afghan forces and IS militants, destroyed several IS caves and ammunition caches, the Afghan defence ministry said.
A ministry spokesman, General Daulat Waziri, said the bombing was necessary because the tunnel complex was extremely hard to penetrate, with some as deep as 40m.
"It was a strong position and four times we had operations (attacking the site) and it was not possible to advance," he said, adding that the road leading to the complex "was full of mines".
The 21,600lb (9,797kg) GBU-43 bomb, which was dropped from an MC-130 aircraft, has the explosive power of 11 tons of TNT.
The bombing left villagers terrified on both sides of the Afghan-Pakistani border.
In the Afghan village of Achin, just a few miles from where the bomb hit, Palstar Khan said: "Last night's bomb was really huge, when it dropped, everywhere, it was shaking."
Some in Pakistan said the explosion was so loud they thought a bomb had been dropped in their village.
"I was sleeping when we heard a loud explosion. It was an earsplitting blast," said Shah Wali, 46, who lives nine miles from the border.
"I jumped from my bed and came out of my home to see what has gone wrong in our village."
The strike on Thursday hit an Islamic State mountain hideout in a remote area of Nangarhar province, in eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border.
It was the first time the US military had unleashed the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, its largest non-nuclear bomb, in combat.
Islamic State issued a statement through its propaganda agency Amaq, saying: "Security source to Amaq agency denies any dead or wounded from yesterday's American strike in Nangarhar using a GBU-43/B."
Afghan officials said the attack left 36 IS fighters dead but caused no civilian casualties.
The top US military commander in Afghanistan said the decision to deploy one of the largest conventional bombs ever used in combat was purely tactical.
"This is the right weapon for the right target," said US General John W. Nicholson, the NATO commander in Afghanistan.
:: Analysis: Trump can't 'flip-flop' on foreign policy forever
The attack, in an area that had seen heavy fighting in recent weeks between Afghan forces and IS militants, destroyed several IS caves and ammunition caches, the Afghan defence ministry said.
A ministry spokesman, General Daulat Waziri, said the bombing was necessary because the tunnel complex was extremely hard to penetrate, with some as deep as 40m.
"It was a strong position and four times we had operations (attacking the site) and it was not possible to advance," he said, adding that the road leading to the complex "was full of mines".
The 21,600lb (9,797kg) GBU-43 bomb, which was dropped from an MC-130 aircraft, has the explosive power of 11 tons of TNT.
The bombing left villagers terrified on both sides of the Afghan-Pakistani border.
In the Afghan village of Achin, just a few miles from where the bomb hit, Palstar Khan said: "Last night's bomb was really huge, when it dropped, everywhere, it was shaking."
Some in Pakistan said the explosion was so loud they thought a bomb had been dropped in their village.
"I was sleeping when we heard a loud explosion. It was an earsplitting blast," said Shah Wali, 46, who lives nine miles from the border.
"I jumped from my bed and came out of my home to see what has gone wrong in our village."
Tesco says sorry over 'Good Friday got better' beer ad
Tesco has apologised after a newspaper advert for discounted beer said: "Good Friday just got better."
The supermarket said it was sorry for any offence caused after linking alcohol with Good Friday - the day when Christians commemorate the crucifixion.
It said the ad would not be used again.
The Tesco ad was criticised by vicar and broadcaster the Reverend Richard Coles on Twitter.
He described it as "extraordinarily and unnecessarily ignorant" and said it "causes unnecessary offence to many".
Rev Coles responded to remarks by other Twitter users that they were not offended by saying: "That's fine. For many others it is the most solemn day of the year.
"All Tesco needed to do was google it."
A Tesco spokesman said: "We know that Easter is an important time of the year for our customers.
"It is never our intention to offend and we are sorry if any has been caused by this advert. We will not publish it again."
The supermarket said it was sorry for any offence caused after linking alcohol with Good Friday - the day when Christians commemorate the crucifixion.
It said the ad would not be used again.
The Tesco ad was criticised by vicar and broadcaster the Reverend Richard Coles on Twitter.
He described it as "extraordinarily and unnecessarily ignorant" and said it "causes unnecessary offence to many".
Rev Coles responded to remarks by other Twitter users that they were not offended by saying: "That's fine. For many others it is the most solemn day of the year.
"All Tesco needed to do was google it."
A Tesco spokesman said: "We know that Easter is an important time of the year for our customers.
"It is never our intention to offend and we are sorry if any has been caused by this advert. We will not publish it again."
Mother of all bombs 'killed 36 IS militants' in Afghanistan
Thirty-six Islamic State militants were killed when the US dropped the so-called Mother Of All Bombs on a cave complex in Afghanistan.
The strike in the Achin district of Nangahar province was the first time the 21,600lb (9,797kg) GBU-43 bomb, which has 11 tons of explosives, has been used in combat.
The Afghan defence ministry said it laid waste to the caves and ammunition caches but had not caused any civilian casualties.
"No civilian has been hurt and only the base which Daesh used to launch attacks in other parts of the province was destroyed," spokesman Dawlat Waziri said.
The bomb, the US military's largest non-nuclear device, was dropped from an MC-130 aircraft very close to the border with Pakistan.
Achin District Governor Esmail Shinwari said: "The explosion was the biggest I have ever seen.
"Towering flames engulfed the area.
The nickname - the mother of all bombs - is based on the name given to the weapon by the US Air Force - 'Massive Ordnance Air Blast' bomb and it is regarded as particularly effective against clusters of targets on or just underneath the ground.
The Afghan army spokesman in Nangarhar said the bomb was dropped between two mountains where IS had carved out caves and tunnels.
There were believed to have been between 40 and 70 fighters there at the time, Jawid Saleem told Tolo News.
The weapon, which was first tested just days before the Iraq War in March 2013, was dropped at 7.32pm local time (4.02pm UK time) after its deployment was signed off by General John Nicholson, the commander of US forces in Afghanistan.
General Nicholson said the strike was designed to minimise the risk to Afghan and US forces conducting clearing operations in the Achin area "while maximising the destruction" of IS fighters and facilities.
He said IS has been using improvised explosive devices, bunkers and tunnels to strengthen its defences.
The strike in the Achin district of Nangahar province was the first time the 21,600lb (9,797kg) GBU-43 bomb, which has 11 tons of explosives, has been used in combat.
The Afghan defence ministry said it laid waste to the caves and ammunition caches but had not caused any civilian casualties.
"No civilian has been hurt and only the base which Daesh used to launch attacks in other parts of the province was destroyed," spokesman Dawlat Waziri said.
The bomb, the US military's largest non-nuclear device, was dropped from an MC-130 aircraft very close to the border with Pakistan.
Achin District Governor Esmail Shinwari said: "The explosion was the biggest I have ever seen.
"Towering flames engulfed the area.
The nickname - the mother of all bombs - is based on the name given to the weapon by the US Air Force - 'Massive Ordnance Air Blast' bomb and it is regarded as particularly effective against clusters of targets on or just underneath the ground.
The Afghan army spokesman in Nangarhar said the bomb was dropped between two mountains where IS had carved out caves and tunnels.
There were believed to have been between 40 and 70 fighters there at the time, Jawid Saleem told Tolo News.
The weapon, which was first tested just days before the Iraq War in March 2013, was dropped at 7.32pm local time (4.02pm UK time) after its deployment was signed off by General John Nicholson, the commander of US forces in Afghanistan.
General Nicholson said the strike was designed to minimise the risk to Afghan and US forces conducting clearing operations in the Achin area "while maximising the destruction" of IS fighters and facilities.
He said IS has been using improvised explosive devices, bunkers and tunnels to strengthen its defences.
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