The S&D Group in the European Parliament strongly condemns the ongoing and increasingly disturbing violence in Nigeria and in Kenya

For the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, this terrorism is a global threat that requires a global solution. Terrorism affects victims of all origins without discrimination.

The S&D Group believe that the EU must promote freedom of religion and intercultural and interfaith tolerance.

On the situation in Nigeria, S&D MEP Ana Gomes, said:

"The continuous wave of gun and bomb attacks, suicide bombings, sexual slavery and other sexual violence, kidnappings and other violent acts committed by the terrorist sect Boko Haram constitutes a crime against humanity.

"We stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Nigeria in their determination to fight all forms of terrorism in their country.

"We praise the work of all journalists and human rights defenders in seeking to bring the world's attention to Boko Haram's extremism and the innocent victims of their violence."

On the situation in Kenya, chair of the sub-committee on human rights and Spanish S&D MEP, Elena Valenciano, said:

"We condemn in the strongest terms the deliberate terrorist attack perpetrated by al-Shabaab on 2 April 2015 in Garissa, assassinating 147 young, innocent university students and injuring 79 others.

"We condemn all violations of human rights, particularly when people are killed on the basis of their religion, beliefs and ethnic origin.

"The freedom of religion is a fundamental right and we strongly condemn any violence or discrimination on the basis of religion.

"We express our grave concerns about the abuse of religion by the perpetrators of terrorist acts in several areas of the world and denounce those who utilise religion in conflict."