Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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12. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views that the UN can play more of a role in preventing massacres and human rights offences by Boko Haram; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2601/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I have strongly condemned the appalling acts of violence being perpetrated in Nigeria and the neighbouring region by the terrorist group Boko Haram. These include the recent killings of a large number of civilians in an attack in the north-eastern state of Borno, and the kidnappings in recent days in Cameroon. I am appalled by reports of the use of innocent young children to carry primed explosives. I have previously also condemned the abduction of more than 200 young girls from a school in the town of Chibok.

The UN Secretary General has also condemned these atrocities and has pledged assistance to the Nigerian Government and affected neighbouring States in order to bring an end to the violence. Last May, the Security Council Al Qaida Sanctions Committee added Boko Haram to its sanctions and arms embargo list. At the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday, Ministers endorsed a statement on behalf of the European Union made by the High Representative, Federica Mogherini, condemning the recent attacks. We will discuss Boko Haram again at the next meeting of the Council on 9 February.

Primary responsibility for the security situation in Nigeria rests with the Nigerian Government. Together with our EU partners, we are in contact with the Nigerian authorities and are monitoring the situation closely through our Embassy in Abuja.

Following the most recent attacks, the role of the UNHCR will be particularly important in providing assistance to refugees and displaced people, in Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon. Last month, Ireland provided €1 million to the UNHCR to support its work in Chad.