OTTAWA, Canada, May 2, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird issued the following statement:
“Canada condemns in the strongest terms the kidnapping of Nigerian schoolgirls, along with other terrorist acts committed against unarmed civilians, by Boko Haram. These acts are absolutely repugnant and will never be tolerated.
“We are concerned about the safety and wellbeing of these girls, including recent reports that suggest they may be forced into marriage by Boko Haram. Canada has made it a priority to promote the human rights of women and girls worldwide, including working with the international community to end the practice of child, early and forced marriage.
“We will continue to closely monitor the situation and work with Nigeria to combat terrorism and secure the welfare of its children and youth.”
On December 30, 2013, Canada listed Boko Haram as a terrorist organization. Canada’s Criminal Code criminalizes membership in, and the transfer of money to support, Boko Haram.
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