Mr. Speaker, more than two weeks ago, close to 276 young women were kidnapped from a school in Nigeria. Canada deeply condemns this action.
The reports that the young women kidnapped may have been forced into marriage by Islamic extremists is a great concern to Canada. Canada has been a strong voice for the protection of human rights and protection of women and girls, specifically on the issues of violence against women as well as child and forced marriage.
This act is a violation of basic human rights and a depraved form of violence that will have a profound impact on the girls who were kidnapped, as well as their families and their communities.
On December 30, 2013, our government listed those responsible for this action, Boko Haram, as a terrorist organization. We call on Boko Haram to release these innocent young girls, and we continue to pray for their well-being.