GNRD Conducts Rally in Stavanger Sentrum: #BringBackOurGirls / #BringBackTHISGirl

    STAVANGER, NORWAY, April 16, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In Stavanger Sentrum this afternoon, GNRD peacefully honoured the anniversary of the 219 Chibok school girls who remain in captivity in Nigeria - kidnapped by Boko Haram one-year ago today.

In his welcome message, Mr. Abozer Elmana Elligai, GNRD Vice-President urged the United Nations, the international community, and especially the Nigerian government to rescue the girls. "Most of you must have joined this movement because you are very concerned with human rights issues; although these girls are not part of your nation, we live together under the same sky, under the same sun and most importantly, we believe in human rights for all."

Numerous human rights violations have been inflicted upon these girls, and were presented specifically by Ms. Bernadette Gemmell, Project Manager - GNRD-W: "They have been denied their right to an education by an extremist group who does not believe in a girl's right to education; they have also been denied their right to liberty and security and are most likely being kept in slave-like conditions and being subjected to unthinkable cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment."

In his speech, Mr. John Peter Hernes, Leader of Council for Education in Stavanger highlighted that "Norway is the country with many resources and strives to use these resources to help people in developing nations - with a specific focus on helping young women and girls, and especially the Chibok school girls."

A peaceful walk around the Breiavatnet Lake followed the honourary gathering. Similar marches and rallies were held simultaneously in North America, including California, Texas, Washington, as well as in Canada, Ecuador, Australia, and many more locations around the world.

The aim of the rally was two-fold: GNRD's first goal was to show support for the girls from Government Secondary School, Chibok and acknowledge that they are still missing. Our second goal, which GNRD will also continue with is to distribute "Tickets to Advocacy", which provide instructions for those who are interested in taking the next step to advocate for the girls' release. Many people would like to help, but are unsure of what to do or say. Therefore, this "Ticket", provides email addresses, telephone numbers of various government bodies, as well as a brief script simplifying this advocacy process.

The Global Network for Rights and Development (GNRD) is an international NGO established in June 2008 with the aim to enhance and support both human rights and development by adopting new strategies and policies for real and lasting change.

For Further Information, Please Contact:

Rhonda Belous, Head of Development Department, GNRD

Tlf: + 47 5111 8728 or Email: [email protected]

# # #