Malala criticises world leaders on Boko Haram kidnappings
16 April 2015 5:02 AM IST
In an open letter addressed to the victims of the Boko Haram kidnappings, the 17-year-old Pakistani teenager, who survived a Taliban bullet in her head and is now based in Birmingham, criticised the global community for failing to help free the 219 schoolgirls kidnapped a year ago. “In my opinion, Nigerian leaders and the international community have not done enough to help you,” she wrote to mark the one-year anniversary of the incident which shocked the world.
“They must do much more to help secure your release. I am among many people pressuring them to
make sure you are freed,” she added, referring to the girls as “my brave sisters”.
Malala’s letter, described as “a message of solidarity love and hope”, comes as events, including marches, prayers and vigils, were being held to mark the girls’ 12 months in captivity.
The Boko Haram militants caused global outrage after abducting the girls from Nigeria’s north-eastern Chibok town.
The UN estimates that the insurgency has now displaced nearly 800,000 children. “We cannot imagine the full extent of the horrors you have endured. But please know this: we will never forget you,” said Malala, who has campaigned vigorously on the issue.
“I look forward to the day I can hug each one of you, pray with you, and celebrate your freedom with your families,” she said.
“They must do much more to help secure your release. I am among many people pressuring them to
make sure you are freed,” she added, referring to the girls as “my brave sisters”.
Malala’s letter, described as “a message of solidarity love and hope”, comes as events, including marches, prayers and vigils, were being held to mark the girls’ 12 months in captivity.
The Boko Haram militants caused global outrage after abducting the girls from Nigeria’s north-eastern Chibok town.
The UN estimates that the insurgency has now displaced nearly 800,000 children. “We cannot imagine the full extent of the horrors you have endured. But please know this: we will never forget you,” said Malala, who has campaigned vigorously on the issue.
“I look forward to the day I can hug each one of you, pray with you, and celebrate your freedom with your families,” she said.
Next Story
