Beyond the Rescue: Rebuilding the Lives of our Precious Girls After Boko Haram

Source: CNN

Story:

Girls and young women freed from Boko Haram terrorists in northeast Nigeria continue to suffer severe hardships, including unlawful military detention, neglect and inadequate support to start over, according to a new Amnesty International report. While protracted military detention has decreased recently, a recent report released noted that many women still experience mistreatment.

After escaping Boko Haram captivity, many then experienced further abuse in prolonged and unlawful Nigerian military detention, though in recent years this practice is less widespread during the conflict that has been raging for over a decade. Those not unlawfully detained were left to fend for themselves in displacement camps amid millions of other people needing humanitarian assistance. 

Senses: Child Safeguarding and Protection Principles

The ordeal of these girls highlights the urgent need for robust and uniform Child Safeguarding and Protection Policy/System to protect children affected by armed conflicts. Effective safeguarding measures should include:

• Immediate Psychological Support
  • Counseling and Trauma Care: Provide trauma-informed counseling to help survivors process their experiences and begin the healing process.
  • Psychological First Aid: Implement immediate psychological first aid at rescue points to address acute distress and mental health needs.
• Safe and Supportive Environments
  • Secure Shelters: Establish secure shelters specifically for rescued children to ensure their safety and prevent further harm.
  • Family Reunification Programs: Develop programs to safely reunite survivors with their families, where appropriate, ensuring ongoing support and monitoring.
• Medical Care
  • Comprehensive Health Services: Offer holistic healthcare, including reproductive health services, to address physical injuries and long-term health complications.
  • Regular Health Assessments: Conduct regular health assessments to monitor and respond to ongoing health needs.
• Education and Vocational Training
  • Access to Education: Ensure that survivors have access to education, including catch-up programs for those who missed schooling during captivity.
  • Vocational Training: Provide vocational training to equip survivors with skills for economic independence.
• Legal and Social Support
  • Legal Aid: Offer legal support to help survivors navigate the justice system, particularly in seeking justice for crimes committed against them.
  • Social Reintegration Programs: Develop programs to facilitate social reintegration, including community sensitization, to reduce stigma and foster acceptance.

Stones: Lessons for Parents, Government, and Society

The experiences of these survivors offer critical lessons:

For Parents:

• Education and Awareness
  • Risk Awareness: Educate parents about the risks and signs of abduction and radicalization to enable early intervention.
  • Empowerment Programs: Implement community-based empowerment programs to equip parents with knowledge and resources to protect their children.
• Support Systems
  • Community Networks: Build strong community support networks to provide assistance and resources in times of crisis.
  • Parenting Support: Offer parenting support and guidance to help parents provide a stable and supportive environment for their children.

For the Government:

• Legal Reforms
  • Child Safeguarding and Protection Laws: Strengthen and enforce laws that protect children from abduction, trafficking, and abuse.
  • Accountability Mechanisms: Ensure that those who commit abuses, whether insurgents or military personnel, are held accountable through transparent legal processes.
• Holistic Rehabilitation Programs
  • Comprehensive Rehabilitation: Develop rehabilitation programs that address the psychological, educational, and vocational needs of survivors.
  • Coordination with NGOs: Collaborate with non-governmental organizations to leverage expertise and resources for effective rehabilitation.

For Society:

• Reducing Stigma
  • Community Education: Promote community education initiatives to reduce stigma and foster acceptance of survivors.
  • Supportive Communities: Encourage communities to play an active role in protecting vulnerable children and supporting survivors.
• Community Involvement
  • Local Initiatives: Support local initiatives that provide resources and support to at-risk children and survivors.
  • Advocacy: Engage in advocacy efforts to raise awareness and drive policy changes that protect and support children.

Conclusion

The plight of girls and young women who survived Boko Haram’s brutalities serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges in conflict zones. While their rescue marked a significant victory, the journey to recovery requires sustained efforts from all sectors of society. By embracing comprehensive child safeguarding principles and learning from the lessons these survivors impart, Nigeria can build a future where every child is protected and empowered to thrive. The resilience and bravery of these young women demand nothing less than our unwavering commitment to their recovery and reintegration.

Read more about this story here: https://childreninfobank.com/safebank/girls-freed-from-boko-haram-in-nigeria-face-further-detention-and-abuse-by-military-amnesty-report-finds/

Source of Image: https://www.amnesty.org/