Amnesty International has condemned the labeling of women and girls rescued from Boko Haram as “Boko Haram wives,” asserting that this terminology perpetuates stigma.
This statement was made during a press conference in Maiduguri, Borno State, led by Isa Sunusi, the organization’s country director.
Since Boko Haram’s emergence in Northeast Nigeria, women and girls have been subjected to severe human rights abuses, including torture, rape, and forced marriages. Sunusi highlighted that even after escaping or being rescued by military forces, these individuals often face additional atrocities at the hands of the military. He stated, “The girls and young women in the Northeast suffered horrific abuses in Boko Haram captivity, and many survivors were arbitrarily detained and subsequently neglected by the Nigerian authorities.”
Sunusi pointed out that survivors who attempted to access contraceptives faced harsh punishment from the insurgents. The long-term consequences of their experiences include health issues, educational barriers, and societal rejection. Many returning girls are labeled as “Boko Haram wives,” which exacerbates their stigmatization.
He urged the Nigerian government to take action to rebuild the lives of these women and girls by providing justice and addressing the atrocities they have faced. Despite some efforts at family reunification, he noted that the government has largely failed to support their physical and psychological recovery as mandated by international conventions on children’s rights.
Sunusi concluded with a call for the Nigerian government to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for these abuses, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive support for survivors.
