Nigerian abductions show females targets of gender terror

CORNELL UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS OFFICE

May 7, 2014

Nigerian abductions show females still prime targets of gender terror in conflict nations

Elizabeth Brundige, executive director of The Avon Global Center for Women and Justice at Cornell Law School, condemns the Nigerian abduction as gender violence and a “tool of terror.”

Brundige says: “The abduction of more than 200 girls from their school in northern Nigeria is a stunning example of the use of gender violence as a tool of terror. Such terrorism cannot be allowed to occur with impunity. It is imperative that the Nigerian government – and the international community – act without delay to put an end to these horrific human rights abuses, hold the perpetrators accountable, and ensure that the young girls can return to their families and pursue an education free from danger and fear.”

Muna Ndulo is a Cornell Law professor and director of Cornell University’s Institute for African Development. He has written 14 books on issues including human rights and has served as a political and legal advisor to the United Nations. Ndulo calls for the global community to collaborate more fully in fighting terrorism.

Ndulo says: “This tragic event of the kidnapping of a large number of young school girls once again reminds us that of the fact that women always bear a disproportionate burden of any conflict regardless of the nature of the conflict. The tragic event underscores the need for the international community to enhance cooperation to deal with international terrorism. Terrorists are armed, trained and financed by somebody. Any fight against terrorism, to have any chance of success, must deal with those that are behind terrorism.”

ENDS

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