The Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Justice Network, SJN has called for an effective implementation and activation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, VAPP law and Administration of criminal justice law across the six project states, in Nigeria, including Enugu Bauchi,Benue,Kaduna and Osun.
The group made the call at a multi-stakeholders meeting on the access to justice for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, SGB survivors in Enugu State, being one of the activities organised to mark the sixteen days of activism in the state..
Speaking at the eventt, the Enugu State Coordinator, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Justice Network, Margaret Obiegue said the essence of the meeting was to find community -driven solutions that will guide citizens’s unfettered access to justice for SGBV survivors and victims without impediments .
She added that the meeting was also to sensitise participants on the rights of an abused person and available mechanisms for redress from within the court, adding that by the end of the forum,a clear road map will be produced for all stakeholders to use in the fight against SGBV.
The State Coordinator listed the SJN advocacy asks as follows; full Implementation of the VAPP Law ,Review of the VAPP law, designation of special court to try rape cases, provision of a budget line for the smooth operation of the SARC, expansion of jurisdiction to magistrate to try rape cases and engagement of private sectors towards ensuring the functionality of the SARC.
In her remarks, the Deputy Director of the Civil Litigation Department, Ministry of Justice, Enugu State, Barr. Uzoamaka Okeji called for an increased awareness on issue concerning violence against the girl -child and urged victims of such violence to speak up and seek justice.
Speaking, the President, National Council of Women Society Enugu State, Lady Anthonia Ogbu, spoke on the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition law and it’s benefit.
In her speech, the Chairperson, Nigerian Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ, Comrade Ngozi Ngene appealed to media practitioners across the country to increase advocacy against gender-based violence to sustain the gains already achieved in the fight.
There was a dialogue section on the impediments to accessing justice by victims and the development of community-driven solutions to the course
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A stakeholder ,Onyebuchi Mba, Chairman, JONAPED, Enugu chapter, attributed poverty as one of the major impediments to victims accessing justice.
He suggested that women should be empowered .
On their parts, Barrister Nnenna Alozie and ,Barrister Sylvia Abannah, said lack of awareness and knowledge of the VAPP Law contribute to the Impediment in accessing justice.
Ani Christian of Agbani farms, on his part, said releasing fund meant to the SARC will help.
In her contribution, a Police Officer, DSP Tina Ojukwu, lamented that pressure from influencial people, politicians,victims’ parents and offenders pose threat to access to justice.
The Gender officer of the ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Develooment, Mrs Mba Esther,
adviced the TAMARSARC manager to officially write to the Hon .commissioner for the release of fund .
Participants came up with the following community -driven solutions.
Proper family values.
To do away with some culture that obstruct justice,sensitize and train police ,lawyers, magistrates and other relevant agencies,MDAs on VAPP Law.
Advocate to community leaders,religious leaders, schools and other relevant stakeholders.
Youth empowerment and establishment of SGBV Units at government hospitals
Sexual and Gender Based Violence Justice Network, SJN, is a 7-member organisation’s cluster under the USAID funded project on strengthening Civic Advocacy and local Engagement[SCALE] Anchored by lawyers Alert a cluster member.Ither members of the cluster are Nigeria league of women voters(NILOWV])National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ),Ikra foundation for women and youth development,Agbani farms limited,Community Advancement initiative for self-reliance and legal Awareness for Nigeria women .
Author: Maureen Ikpeama
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