The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, is
calling for the discontinuation of the culture of impunity, silence
and stigmatisation of survivors of gender-based violence.
The call was made following the 2018 ’16 days of activism
against Gender Based Violence’ which is to begin on November, 25th
marking the International Day of the Elimination of Violence
against women, and culminates on December 10, Human Rights Day.
See Statement:
16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM 2018: FIDA NIGERIA CALLS FOR THE
DISCONTINUATION OF THE CULTURE OF IMPUNITY, SILENCE AND
STIGMATISATION OF SURVIVORS OF GENDER BASED VIOLENCE
The clock ticks as the world continues to call for the end of
violence of women and girls. The 2018 ‘16 days of Activism against
Gender Based Violence’ begins on November 25, which is the
International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women, and
culminates on December 10, Human Rights Day.
The International Federation of Women Lawyers, (FIDA) Nigeria
joins the rest of world to stand up against Gender Based
Violence. This year, FIDA Nigeria’s theme, focuses on the
handling of Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases by Law Enforcement
Agencies. FIDA Nigeria calls for the discontinuation of the culture
of impunity, silence and the stigmatisation of survivors of
violence brought about by poor handling of GBV reports by law
enforcement agencies #HearMeToo.
This call is imperative as the rate of violence has escalated to
an alarming level. According to UNwomen.org, one in three women
worldwide experience gender based violence. Though physical
violence is the most common form, it must be recognised that this
ugly trend occurs in various forms. On a daily basis, we receive
numerous reports of violence and sexual abuse from women and girls
across the country. These numerous cases of violence have resulted
in untold pain and hardship due to poor opportunities for reporting
such cases.
FIDA Nigeria was instrumental to the passing of the Violence
Against Persons (Prohibition) Act which passed in Nigeria in 2015,
and this act recognises that violence can be physical, sexual,
emotional, economical and political. The Act is significant for not
only recognising and punishing the various forms of violence that
exist, but for also providing remedies for victims of violence.
Despite this, many states are still yet to adopt the act and those
that have adopted it, are not effectively implementing it.
FIDA Nigeria calls on the States of the Federation to adopt and
implement the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act. FIDA
Nigeria also calls on the Federal government to wake up to their
responsibility and put appropriate mechanisms in place to to ensure
safe spaces for survivors of Gender Based Violence. Our
criminal justice system must also be reformed to ensure speedy
investigation and prosecution of offenders. FIDA Nigeria thus
calls on the States of the Federation to adopt and implement the
Administration of Criminal Justice Act to ensure speedy
dispensation of criminal trials.
FIDA Nigeria branches have also been enjoined to advocate to law
enforcement agencies to institutionalise Gender Based Violence
desks in designated police stations in all states of the
federation.
We are also advocating for the training of the law enforcement
agents that will be assigned to these desks, on the ways to
properly handle Gender sensitive matters. Law enforcement agents
must realise that it is essential to take a respectful and
Do-No-Harm approach when handling such cases otherwise the
survivors will not be heard festering victimization, culture of
silence and stigmatization.
We also advocate for law enforcement agencies to ensure that
handling of cases of GBV is captured as a budgetary line in their
budgetary presentations.
Finally, society must realise that Gender Based Violence is not
just a private family problem, but a societal problem that
desperately needs to be addressed. Violence against women can be
prevented if we all begin to realise and address the social,
cultural, legal and economic factors that encourage such barbarism
to foster in society.
FIDA Nigeria will continue to provide free legal representation
and advice to survivors of Gender Based Violence. FIDA pledges
to also provide legal representation for non- survivors of
violence. The essence of our work is to promote, protect and
preserve the rights of women and girls in society so please feel
free to contact us with any reports of Gender Based Violence.
Signed
Inime Aguma
Princess Frank-Chukwuani
Country Vice President/National
President
National Publicity Secretary
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