The Nigeria’s Judiciary has been called upon to FastTrack the protection of victims of Sexual and Gender Based violence in the country through fair and quick dispensation of justice.
The Minister of Women affairs Mrs Paullen Tallen made the call at a round table discussion on rising and pending cases of sexual and gender based violence held in Abuja, Nigeria.
The round table discussion on rising and pending cases of sexual and gender based violence was put together by the National Human Rights Commission in Nigeria and ROOST FOUNDATION to appraise efforts, identify challenges and proffer solutions to Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Nigeria.
The women affairs Minister Mrs Paullen Tallen expressed sadness on level of maltreatment meted on victims of sexual and gender based violence due to delay in courts and sometimes unfair handling of the matter.
She advised women and men to form a strong alliance against violence on women and the girl child.
The Executive Secretary National Human Rights Commission in Nigeria Mr Tony Ojukwu announced that the Commission has received over one point seven million cases of right violations on women and children in 2021 with over one hundred and fifty eight thousand cases on sexual and gender based violence.
Represented by Mr. Harry Obeh, the human rights boss said that, the commission will continue to find solutions on rights violations through partnership with NGO’S and stakeholders.
“The commission has observed commendable upsurge in efforts by various stakeholders through varying activities geared towards tackling SGBV from their respective corners.”
Also the Executive Chairman ROOST FOUNDATION Mrs Julie Okah advocated for the establishment of a joint taskforce among stakeholders to share ideas in confronting sexual and gender based violence.
She said that, the round table targeting in “getting justice for victims of SGBV whose cases have been pending, rehabilitation for victims, and getting the confidence of the general public, that perpetrators will not get away with impunity.”
The International Federation of Women Lawyers FIDA and Nigerian Bar Association were among Non-governmental organisations who promised to expand and sustain the fight against sexual and gender based violence at the event.
They called on victims not to shy away from seeking for justice.
Dominica Nwabufo
