UNICEF condemns use of children as human bomb

The United Nations Children Fund, UNICEF, has condemned the use of children as human bombs in any combat or non-combat roles in any region.

Condemning the use of children for such roles in North-east Nigeria, UNICEF’s representative in Nigeria, Peter Hawkins appealed to all those involved in the conflict to protect children at all times and to keep them out of harm’s way.

He said reports revealed that three children, two girls and a boy (ages unknown) were used to detonate explosives that killed 30 people and injured 40 others at a community football viewing centre in Konduga, Borno yesterday.

“This incident brings the number of children who have been reported as having been used as human bombs to five, since January 2019. In 2018, 48 children, including 38 girls, were used in suicide attacks.”

He said they were calling on all parties to the conflict in north-east Nigeria to immediately cease all attacks against civilians, to stop using children in this conflict, and to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law.