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Subtitle: Speech delivered by Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, on behalf of High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell 

Thank you, President, and thank you for this debate. 

The latest cycle of violence in the central Plateau State reached a tragic peak – as we have been hearing – on 24 December, resulting – yet again - in too many innocent victims and wanton destruction.

The security steps taken, the commitment from highest levels, the Peace Walk of the Governor with Christian and Muslim leaders, have sadly been insufficient to stop the violence. Two weeks ago, the State governor had to impose a curfew in violence-affected areas.

These are of course very concerning developments, within a generally worsening security context. Recent research has found a 730% increase in bandit attacks between 2018 and 2022 in Northern Nigeria. 

The causes – as ever – are complex. No single factor can explain the violence. There is a history of conflict in Plateau State, which has fed on ethno-religious differences. But we should not forget that 80% of the population in this area is poor, highly dependent on subsistence farming and cattle breeding. They are significantly affected by climate change and desertification. Sedentary farmers and mobile cattle breeders face conflicts over land. Land ownership and grazing areas are poorly regulated. And significant demographic growth adds to the strain on natural resources. 

Therefore, security measures should not be the only answer. Grassroots initiatives for conflict prevention and resolution, promoting inter and intrareligious coexistence and the management of natural resources, are all important as well. The European Union offers support in these areas of work, including in Plateau State. The EU Human Rights Strategy for Nigeria includes freedom of religion and belief as a priority, and the European Union addressed this issue with Nigeria in the Human rights dialogue last year. 

Governance, peace and security have always been a priority. And conscious of Nigeria’s role in the region and on the continent, we have strengthened our political partnership to address these challenges. We carefully follow the new government’s plans for improving security, conflict prevention and resolution, and stand ready to provide further support, all to help ensure peace, tolerance and coexistence among religious and ethnic communities. 

Freedom of religion and belief is addressed with the Nigerian authorities through the EU-Nigeria annual Human rights dialogue and is a distinct priority in the EU Human Rights Strategy for Nigeria. Two projects were launched in 2022 to promote inter- and intra-religious peaceful coexistence in Plateau and other states through increased and structured engagement of local faith partners and communities. The EU Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion and Belief [Frans van Daele] is currently considering a visit to Nigeria in [the] coming months. And the EU High Representative [Josep Borrell] expressed his dismay at targeted attacks against Christians, for instance when scores of churchgoers were massacred in Owo State in June 2022. 

The European Union has advocated for speedy criminal justice responses while continuing to stand ready to support Nigeria in achieving lasting peace and stability. 

Thank you. 

• Link to the video (starting at 22:00): https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-252508