The United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF and United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA has expressed readiness to provide comprehensive psychosocial support and other specialized services needed to 82 Chibok girls newly released by Boko Haram group. The two United Nation organisations said they are on standby to support the Nigerian authorities to provide emergency reproductive healthcare, psychosocial counselling and other critical support to the survivors. In a press statement, the Acting Representative of UNICEF Nigeria, Pernille Ironside said "UNICEF is on standby to support the Nigerian authorities to provide the comprehensive psychosocial support and other specialized services needed. In a separate statement, UNFPA disclosed that in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, they will continue to support women and girls who are survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. More than 3.5 million survivors have been provided with sexual and reproductive health care services, psychosocial support and counselling.

Source: The North Africa Journal May 09, 2017 03:11 UTC