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UNODC Admits Scars Of Insecurity, Violence, Humanitarian Crisis Would Take Time To Heal In Nigeria

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Mr. Oliver Stolpe, Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Nigeria, has stated that, while Nigeria is making significant progress towards peace, the scars of insecurity, violence, and humanitarian crisis will take a long time to heal.

Stolpe, speaking at the screening of the video documentary and photograph exhibition ‘Stories of Resilience’ in Abuja, lamented: “Millions have been displaced and thousands have died as a result of the violence in the North-East.

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“One of the most sinister aspects of this sorry story is the recruitment and exploitation of children. Thousands of children have been kidnapped from their homes, tricked or coerced into joining Boko Haram, and used as slaves, suicide bombers, cooks, and spies.”

He did, however, say that “this darkness should not obscure hope.” Another story from North-East Nigeria, this time about survival and resilience. The Borno Model played a critical role in bringing the insurgency to an end by promoting and managing mass exits from Boko Haram.

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“The initiative has already encouraged more than 160,000 people to flee Boko Haram and Boko Haram-controlled areas. Its success is due, in large part, to its recognition that the majority of those surrendering are victims who have been living in areas over which the state has yet to regain complete control.

“These impressive results have been made possible thanks to the leadership of HE Governor Zulum, the support of the Federal Government and its institutions, the cooperation of the Nigerian Armed Forces, and, most importantly, the willingness of the people of Borno State to give peace a chance.”

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Stolpe stated, “The youth of Borno are also expressing their desire to create a different future. Their willingness to engage in dialogue and mediation demonstrates their resilience. Young people have strong messages for us: they want to speak up for themselves and be heard. Today we have the opportunity to listen to them.

He revealed that: “Over the last three years, UNODC has worked in close collaboration with the Office of the National Security Advisor and with generous funding from the European Union to address the plight of children recruited and exploited by terrorist groups.

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“We achieved policy change with the Nigeria Call for Action, created practitioner tools, and trained security sector officials, justice actors, and child protection experts.

“I would especially like to thank these partners for their willingness to work with us on the STRIVE Juvenile Research Study: “Targeted by Terrorists.” Working together, we were able to produce an insightful analysis of children’s pathways into and out of terrorist groups, as well as the responses of national governments. The resulting report is an invaluable resource for all of us working to prevent child recruitment and exploitation, as well as to ensure their safe return and effective reintegration.”

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He also stated, “In Borno State, we have been especially fortunate to collaborate with the UNODC Peace Champions here today in promoting reconciliation, building trust, and breaking down stigma, particularly among children previously associated with terrorist groups. I am delighted to announce that UNODC will continue to work with these inspiring young leaders after STRIVE Juvenile concludes, and has today issued a call for applications for 16 new Youth Peace Champions to be trained, mentored, and supported by UNODC in Adamawa and Yobe states.

“The STRIVE Juvenile project has enabled intergenerational dialogue between our youth peace champions and community leaders. As a result, we have helped to empower communities to achieve the Borno Model’s vision of a peaceful culture and an inclusive, resilient, and dynamic society. Today, we will all witness the tangible results of these efforts. I sincerely appreciate you joining us.”

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