UNGA: Defence Minister Badaru Seeks Greater Support For Terrorism Victims

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has called on the international community to increase support for victims of terrorism during the fifth ministerial meeting of the group of friends of victims of terrorism at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Addressing the gathering, Badaru called for collective responsibility to protect and support those affected by terrorist acts.

He noted Nigeria’s involvement in the 2023 8th Review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (GCTS), which focused on the importance of dignity and respect for terrorism victims while recognising their role in preventing and countering extremist activities.

The minister urged enhanced protection and assistance for survivors and their communities and advocated for dialogue and tolerance through inclusive, community-led initiatives to foster social cohesion.

Badaru stressed the role of education in combating terrorism by providing employment opportunities and the development of thinking skills.

“We urge greater support of investment in the provision and restoration of qualitative, holistic and innovative educational opportunities for victims of terrorism,” said Badaru who noted that terrorists target schools and abduct schoolchildren to deny them access to essential education.

In an earlier engagement at UNGA79, Badaru reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to nuclear non-proliferation.

During a high-level meeting launching the Friends of Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty, hosted by Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida, Badaru said Nigeria was dedicated to the Treaty of Pelindaba, which establishes Africa as a nuclear-weapon-free zone.

UNGA: Defence Minister Badaru Seeks Greater Support For Terrorism Victims is first published on The Whistler Newspaper