United Nations: Boko Haram Members May Face War Crimes Charges
Rupert
Colvile, the spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for
Human Rights (OHCHR), said this in a statement made available at the UN
Head quarters in New York on Friday.
He
reiterated calls on Boko Haram and other extremist groups in Nigeria to
cease their “cowardly attacks” against civilians, members of government
institutions, security forces and foreign nationals.
“The
High Commissioner noted that members of Boko Haram, if judged to have
committed systematic attacks against a civilian population on grounds
such as religion or ethnicity could be found guilty of crimes against
humanity.
“Deliberate acts leading to population
`cleansing’ on grounds of religion or ethnicity could also amount to a
crime against humanity,” Mr. Colville stressed.
In
recent weeks, more than 220 people have been killed in violent clashes
between military forces and the Islamist group, Boko Haram.
OHCHR has urged the Nigerian government to abide by human rights principles during security patrols.
The
rights body also said it was concerned about the large number of
casualties, reportedly including many civilians, and massive destruction
of houses and property.
Mr. Colville urged the government to ensure that international human rights law was respected during its emergency operations.
Similarly the Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon had said he remained very concerned about the ongoing instability in the country.
He underscored the need for all concerned to fully respect human rights and to safeguard the lives of all Nigerians.
President
Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday declared a State of Emergency in three
North Eastern states most prone to Boko Haram attacks. The military has
already deployed more troops including, reportedly, fighter jets to
dislodge the insurgents who have been blamed for the death of hundreds
of people in various violent operations across Nigeria.
