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<p>We are concerned by increasing insecurity in Nigeria. While communities of different
religions live together peacefully across much of Nigeria, incidents of intercommunal
violence occur across many states in the country. These continue to negatively impact
on the human rights of communities of all faiths, including Christians. Religious
identity is a factor in many incidents of intercommunal violence but the root causes
are more complex and frequently relate to competition over resources and criminality.</p><p>In
North East Nigeria, attacks by terrorist groups including Boko Haram and Islamic State
West Africa over the past decade have had a devastating effect on communities of all
faiths. These groups attack indiscriminately those who do not subscribe to their extremist
views, abusing both international human rights and international humanitarian law
including the rights to life, freedom of religion or belief, freedom from slavery
and right for children not to be used in armed conflict. Although 2014 saw the greatest
number of attacks on civilians, terrorist attacks continue to occur on a regular basis
in the North East. While Christians have been targeted by the terrorist groups, the
majority of people killed have been Muslim. We condemn all terrorist attacks and are
providing a comprehensive package of security, humanitarian and stabilisation support
to Nigeria to help tackle the terrorist threat.</p><p>In January, the Prime Minister
discussed insecurity in Nigeria and UK support with President Buhari. Most recently,
I raised concerns over intercommunal violence in Nigeria with President Buhari's Chief
of Staff in June. We encourage the Government of Nigeria to implement long-term solutions
that address the root causes of conflict, and for those responsible for human rights
violations or abuses to be held to account. We will continue to make clear to the
Nigerian authorities at the highest levels the importance of protecting civilians,
including all ethnic and religious groups, and human rights for all Nigerians.</p>
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