Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement applauding the United Nations for adding Boko Haram to the United Nations Security Council's Al --Qaida Sanctions List:
"I applaud the United Nations Security Council for adding Boko Haram to the United Nations Security Council's Terrorist List. Boko Haram's kidnapping and threat to sell over 250 Nigerian girls into slavery is deplorable. Unfortunately, these acts are just a snapshot of the evil acts taken by Boko Haram against the people of Nigeria and surrounding region. This is an important step that will help Nigeria end Boko Haram's reign of terror.
"Terrorism, kidnapping, and all forms of slavery cannot be tolerated anywhere in the world. Global leaders must stand together, united, to protect right to an unencumbered education, and existence free from the threat of slavery. We must also expend every resource available to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped girls to their families. "
Earlier this month, Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA13), Mike Honda (D-CA17) and Robert Pittenger (R-NC09) sent a letter to President Obama applauding the administration's response to the kidnapping of over 250 Nigerian and encouraging him to urge the United Nations and the African Union to add Boko Haram to the United Nations Security Council's Al --Qaida Sanctions List help to bring accountability and sustainable peace to the region.
Representatives Honda and Lee are original cosponsors of Congressman Frederico Wilson's House Resolution 573, titled "Condemning the abduction of female students by armed militants from the terrorist group known as Boko Haram in northeastern provinces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.