Children in north-east Nigeria continued to face heightened insecurity due to the presence of armed groups notably Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Bakura, which led to a significantly increase of grave violations compared with the previous reporting period, highlights a new report of the UN Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict in Nigeria released today.

The United Nations reports that overall, 2,519 grave violations were committed against 1,250 children from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2023. Armed groups were responsible for most of the violations, remaining a significant security threat, in addition to triggering mass displacements. As of December 2023, some 2,1 million people, including children, were displaced in north-east Nigeria.

The abduction of children (1,105) remained the most prevalent violation, especially in 2023 which recorded the highest number of children verified as having been abducted (859) since 2014; the recruitment and use (821) and sexual violence (439) followed.

“Children in Nigeria and particularly in the north-east are living in high insecurity due to the presence of armed groups. Children should never trade their hopes and dreams for fear and tears. I urged all armed groups and particularly JAS and ISWAP to release all children associated with them and to immediately end and prevent all grave violations against children.  International humanitarian law applies to all parties to the conflict, and I call for its immediate respect and implementation” stated, Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict.

While verified killing and maiming of children remains worrisome (135) it decreased compared to the previous reporting period. However, the increased use of improvised explosive devices by armed groups and the spread of its contamination is having disastrous impact for the communities, the children and the humanitarian agencies who face difficulties to operate.

Finally, verified attacks on schools and hospitals (12) decreased but still resulted in a significant lack of provision of education, lead to the damaging and destruction of learning and healthcare facilities and a shortage of teachers which will have dramatic impact on the long-term for children.

Maintaining engagement and progress for children

The report details some positive progress for children. Among those concrete measures, the signature by the Government of Nigeria with the United Nations of a handover protocol for children encountered during armed conflict in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin Region. Since the signing of the handover protocol, the Nigerian Security Forces have been active in processing the cases of children who come into their custody. Additionally, the signing into law of the Child Protection Bills in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States represents a critical milestone for the protection of children.

During the reporting period, 15,967 children, including those associated with armed groups or with suspected family ties to armed groups elements, received reintegration support through the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Development of Borno State, the United Nations and child protection partners.

The Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), with the support of the Borno State Government and the United Nations, continued to sustain its efforts to implement the action plan to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children signed with the United Nations in 2017. The CJTF was delisted from the annex to the 2021 report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict (A/75/873- S/2021/437), following a significant decrease in recruitment and use of children through the continued implementation of its action plan. However, the CJTF, with the continued support of the United Nations, must complete its remaining commitments under the action plan.

“I welcome the recent measures adopted by the Government of Nigeria, including the endorsement of an implementation plan for the handover protocol, and I call upon the Government to expedite its implementation and to treat children associated with armed groups primarily as victims. I also encourage the Government to continue its efforts by endorsing the Paris Principles and Guidelines on Children Associated with Armed Forces or Armed Groups. I reiterate United Nations’ commitment to support the Government in all its efforts.” concluded Virginia Gamba.

Full Report

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Overview of grave violations

2,519 verified grave violations against children

Recruitment and Use: 821 children (303 boys, 518 girls)

Killing and Maiming: 135 children (94 boys, 36 girls, 5 sex unknown)

Rape and other forms of sexual violence: 439 (7 boys, 432 girls)

Abduction: 1,105 children (406 boys and 699 girls)

Attacks on Schools and Hospitals: 12

Denial of humanitarian access: 7

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For additional information, please contact:

Ariane Lignier, Communications Officer, Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict  (ariane.lignier@un.org)

Instagram: @nochildreninwar, Twitter: @childreninwar