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From: The White House

Sent: Thu 5/29/14 2:02 PM

To: interchurchnews@live.com

Dear Keith:

Thank you for writing. Along with millions of people across the globe, Michelle and I are outraged and heartbroken over the kidnapping of more than 200 Nigerian girls by the terrorist group Boko Haram. No child should be forced to live in fear for getting an education and pursuing her dreams.

The United States will not forget the people of Nigeria during this difficult time. At my direction, and in coordination with our international partners, our Government is providing extensive assistance to help find these girls and bring them home to their families.

As the Nigerian government works to root out Boko Haram and associated groups, we will keep providing assistance to help them develop a comprehensive approach to handling the threats posed by these groups. And we will continue aiding Nigeria as it dismantles these networks of terror and takes meaningful, effective actions to create a future safe from the horrors we see today. Combating terrorism means protecting civilians and ensuring respect for human rights -- not only in Nigeria, but around the world.

The United States is committed to doing its part to help prevent mass atrocities, protect basis human rights, and promote opportunity for all. We do so in partnership with other governments, the United Nations, and with religious institutions, unions, and civil organizations both at home and abroad.

More broadly, promoting peace and prosperity means securing equal rights and opportunity for women and girls. When women succeed, nations are safer, more secure, and more prosperous. We will continue empowering women and girls everywhere to pursue the education that is their birthright, and to participate fully in their societies.

Thank you, again, for your message. In these Nigerian girls, many of us see our own daughters. Their courage pushes us to fight to ensure all children have the opportunities they deserve and the chance to reach their fullest potential.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama

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senator@feinstein.senate.gov (senator@feinstein.senate.gov)

6.12.14

To: interchurchnews@live.com

Dear Keith:

Thank you for writing to me about the recent kidnapping of over 250 Nigerian school girls. I appreciate hearing from you on this distressing situation, and I welcome the opportunity to respond.

As you may know, news sources have reported that on April 14, 2014, a group of militants kidnapped approximately 276 Nigerian girls from the Government Girls Secondary School dorms in the city of Chibok, Nigeria. Soon after, the terrorist organization based in northeast Nigeria known as Boko Haram publicly took responsibility for the abduction. Recent videos released to the media by Boko Haram's leader state that the terrorist organization plan to sell the girls into slavery unless certain conditions are met.

I strongly support actions to locate and capture the terrorists responsible for the reprehensible act and ensure that all these girls are safely returned home. Many nations, including the United States, have sent help to the Nigerian government in order to help bring the kidnapped girls back to their families. On May 6, 2014, President Obama announced that the United States will be sending military and law enforcement advisors to Nigeria in order to support efforts to rescue the girls. Additionally, on May 1, 2014, I supported the passage of Senate Resolution 433, a resolution condemning the abduction.

For your convenience, I have included my most recent statement on U.S. assistance in helping locate these kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls.

I have long been concerned about violence and discrimination against women and girls, and I share your strong support for protecting their basic rights. Every day, women and girls are subject to abuse, violence, and discrimination simply because of their gender. This recent abduction is just one of many examples of abuse against women and girls, and the world must not tolerate such despicable actions.

Please note that I have made careful note of your views, and I will keep your letter in mind as I continue to monitor the situation in Nigeria.

Again, thank you for your letter. I hope you will continue to write to me about matters of importance to you. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington D.C. office at (202)224-3841. Best regards.

Sincerely yours,

Dianne Feinstein United States Senator