Australia hails UN listing of Boko Haram as terrorist group

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Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop issued a statement on Friday, welcoming the decision by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to designate Boko Haram in Nigeria as an entity associated with Al-Qaida.

The decision took effect on May 23 Canberra time.

Separately, Prime Minister Tony Abbott has announced that the government is taking urgent steps to list Boko Haram as a terrorist organisation under Australia's Criminal Code. Terrorist organisation offences carry penalties of up to 25 years' imprisonment.

Boko Haram abducted more than 200 school girls from Chibok in Borno State, Nigeria, last month.

It is also believed that the organization is related to the twin bombings on May 20 in the central city of Jos in Nigeria, killing dozens of people and injuring many more.

Bishop said in a press release that Australia joined other members of the UN Security Council in April in condemning in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks by Boko Haram, including the despicable abduction of school girls. The Security Council's decision to designate Boko Haram reflects the fact that its association with Al-Qaida is undeniable.

UNSC's decision on Boko Haram means that all member states will deny Boko Haram access to arms or military assistance, as well as to funds or other material support.

It also means that any person or entity that provides funds, arms, recruits or other material assistance to Boko Haram can now also be added to the Al-Qaida Sanctions List.

Bishop said that as chair of the Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee, Australia has promoted a strategic approach to the use of the sanctions, to ensure they support national and regional responses to the evolving Al-Qaida-inspired terrorist threat.

The designation has immediate effect in Australia. It is a serious criminal offence punishable by up to 10 years in prison, to use or deal with Boko Haram's assets or to make funds or assets available to Boko Haram. Any assets identified as owned or controlled by Boko Haram must be frozen and details of those assets immediately notified to the Australian Federal Police.