Boko Haram: Stamp out roots of conflicts - UN tells FG

The United Nations refugee agency has said the Federal Government needs more than military force to stamp out Boko Haram, adding that “roots of conflict” must be addressed to defeat the insurgents.

According to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Hussein, expansive economic, social and political opportunities are important to reducing the country’s ethnic and sectarian tensions and countering the growing threat posed by the terrorist group.

Hussein said this on Wednesday during the Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva.

“Profound inequalities, corruption, and resulting marginalisation, naturally generate discontent. And the more marginalised and desperate the people, the more likely they are to turn to radical and violent movements,” he stated.

In his opening remark to the Council’s 23rd special session on terrorist attacks, abuses and violations committed by Boko Haram, the UNHCR warned that the atrocities perpetrated by Boko Haram had caused “a critical human rights situation” in northern Nigeria and the Lake Chad region that could only be tempered through development initiatives.

“This despicable and wanton carnage, which constitutes a clear and urgent menace for development, peace and security, must be stopped. Boko Haram’s leaders must know that they will be held accountable in a court of law for these appalling violations of human rights,” Hussein stated.

He therefore called for a “thorough and clear-sighted consideration of the possible roots of conflict,” suggesting that greater participation in decision-making, improved services, and broader economic, social and political opportunities were elemental to building an inclusive society devoid of the tensions that feed extremism.

“Solutions can never be found if the real dimensions of the problem at hand are denied. Vanquishing this threat to peace will require sustained attention that extends beyond the use of military force. Strengthening the rule of law, repealing discriminatory legislation, and implementing inclusive and non-discriminatory policies must be part of the response to the violations committed by Boko Haram. We must also reflect on some of the possible root causes of this insurgency,” Hussein added.

He commended the Federal Government’s efforts at reclaiming territories previously seized by the insurgents and urged to make concerted efforts to redress the imbalances in the North-East region.

“In this regard, I welcome Nigeria’s recent Presidential Initiative for the North-East, which aims to address longstanding social and economic issues, and to create the context necessary for sustainable recovery and economic development,” Hussein said.

Boko Haram: Stamp out roots of conflicts - UN tells FG