The African Ombudsman and Mediators Association, AOMA,

The Association of Ombudsmen and Mediators of La Francophonie, AOMF,

The Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen, AOM,

The Conseil International Permanent sur la Prévention et la Médiation des Conflits et des Guerres, CIPM,

Have noted with profound sadness the abduction and detention of over 200 Nigerian schoolgirls, which occurred several weeks ago;

Are very concerned regarding this serious infringement of the sacred and inalienable rights of each and every one of us to receive and exercise his or her freedom of belief, as well as to have access to education, regardless of religion or sex;

Considering that Ombudsmen and Mediators, just like religious leaders, are independent, moral and credible authorities whose guidance can contribute effectively to the prevention and resolution of conflicts, as well as to restoring peace and social harmony between religious or other types of communities;

Are convinced that peace, human rights and the values of dialogue must be preserved in Africa and throughout the world;

Considering that monotheistic religions—Christianity, Islam and Judaism—share the same GOD and the same patriarch—ABRAHAM—making them brothers and sisters who ought to be working together to promote peace and harmony;

Consequently

- Express their deep concern over the persistence of the unacceptable detention of hundreds of schoolgirls in Northern Nigeria; :

- Demand their immediate release and their return to their homes and their schools;

- Reaffirm their commitment to the values of peace, dialogue and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

For the African Ombudsman and Mediators Association (AOMA)
President
Dr. Paulo TJIPILICA, Ombudsman of Angola

For the Association of Ombudsmen and Mediators of La Francophonie (AOMF)
President
Ms. Raymonde SAINT-GERMAIN, Québec Ombudsperson (Canada)

For the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen (AOM)
President
Mr. Abdelaziz Benzakour, Mediator of the Kingdom of Morocco

For the Conseil International Permanent sur la Prévention et la Médiation des Conflits et des Guerres (CIPM),
President
Dr. Mohamed RUKARA, Ombudsman of Burundi
Secretary-General
Prof. Serigne DIOP, Mediator of the Republic of Senegal