As Nigeria marks the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism Against Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV), international bodies such as the European Union (EU) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are calling upon the Federal Government to prioritize adequate budgetary allocations for the establishment of safe shelters aimed at aiding survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
In a gathering hosted by the EU-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC Phase II) Programme in collaboration with the UNDP under the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, emphasized the urgent need for dedicated budgetary provisions to support institutions dealing with SGBV cases.
Isopi lamented the absence of budgetary allocations for the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, expressing concern over the added strain placed on mandated agencies and the psychological impact on survivors of SGBV.
Isopi further urged the National Assembly to intensify oversight of the VAPP law’s implementation to ensure survivors have access to necessary services or secure the effective prosecution of offenders.
Similarly, Simon Ridley, Resident Representative of UNDP Nigeria, highlighted the crucial role of legislative support in funding institutions addressing gender-based violence. Ridley reaffirmed the commitment of the UNDP to eradicating the pervasive menace.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, voiced deep concern over the escalating numbers of violence against women and girls in Nigeria.
Kalu underscored the need for concerted efforts to combat this scourge, particularly as over 28,000 cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence have been reported within the last three years, with minimal convictions recorded nationwide.
In addition to legislative efforts, the objective of the parliamentary summit was outlined by Head of Programme, Nigeria RoLAC II, International IDEA, Mr. Danladi Plang. Plang highlighted the need to sensitize parliamentarians about persisting challenges hindering access to justice and support services for GBV survivors in Nigeria. The summit aimed to inform lawmakers about progress achieved in GBV response sectors and recommend actions to enhance and sustain progress.
Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, SAN, of the Faculty of Law, University of Nigeria Nsukka & Former United Nations Special Rapporteur, stressed the necessity of significant budgetary allocations to address the unmet justice needs of survivors. Emphasizing the economic rationale behind investing in the justice sector, Prof. Ezeilo advocated for equitable access to justice, irrespective of gender or type of violation.
The joint statement by Oluwatoyosi Giwa, Project Manager, Access to Justice, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC Phase II) Programme, International IDEA, and Onyinye Ndubuisi, Gender Human Rights Programme Lead, UNDP under the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, highlighted strides made in establishing mechanisms for the protection of survivors and strengthened institutional frameworks. However, challenges persist due to underfunding, particularly in the slow prosecution rates of SGBV cases, hindering survivors from receiving timely justice and social support.
The statement revealed that while 36 out of 36 states in Nigeria have adopted the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015, 14 states are yet to domesticate the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act. Among those yet to pass the legislation include Delta, Katsina, Imo, and 11 others.
This concerted effort by international organizations, parliamentary leaders, and legal experts underscores the urgency to address the pervasive issue of gender-based violence and reinforces the need for sustained legislative and financial support to protect survivors and ensure justice for all.