The Honourable Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and
for International Human Rights, today issued the following statement:

“More than two weeks ago close to 276 young women were kidnapped from a school in Nigeria. Canada deeply condemns this action. 

The reports that the young women kidnapped may have been forced into marriage by Islamic
extremists is a great concern to Canada.

Canada has been a strong voice for the protection of human rights and protection of women
and girls, specifically on the issues of violence against women as well as child and forced
marriage.

This act is a violation of basic human rights and a depraved form of violence that will have
profound impact on the girls who were kidnapped as well as their families and their
communities.

On December 30, 2013 our government listed those responsible for this action, Boko Haram, as
a terrorist organization.

We call on Boko Haram to release these innocent young girls and we continue to pray for their
well-being.”