The SGBV Justice Network (SIN) Cluster, anchored by Lawyers Alert, has emphasized the pressing need for swift and effective execution of the Administration of Criminal Justice (ACJ) and Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Laws in the states of Bauchi, Benue, Enugu, Kaduna, and Osun.
The call came at the end of a roundtable discussion held by stakeholders on ACJ and VAPP law implementation, an event staged in Osogbo, Osun State capital on Thursday.
The project which was themed, “Towards Consolidating Advocacy for Effective Justice Delivering for Survivors of SGBV,” seeked to address the alarming prevalence of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria.
According to participants, reports highlight that many Nigerian women between the ages of 25 and 29 have faced some form of physical violence since turning 15, with prevalent acts encompassing sexual harassment, harmful traditional practices, and various forms of emotional, physical, and psychological violence.
Comprising entities like Ikra Foundation for Women and Youth Development, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, and several others, the SIN Cluster’s goal is the comprehensive activation and enforcement of VAPP and ACJ laws, aiming specifically at accelerating justice for SGBV survivors in the aforementioned states.
Mrs. Eni Ayeni, Executive Director of the Community Advancement Initiative for Self-Reliance, underscored the initiative’s objectives.
She said, “Our vision is to see the VAPP and ACJ Laws effectively practiced in the five project states,” she stated.
The Cluster has made clear demands, pressing for the establishment and funding of one-stop Sexual Assault Referral Centers throughout the target states. They also advocate for the designation of specific courts focused solely on SGBV cases and urge the implementation of monitoring frameworks as detailed under sections of the ACJA.
Emphasizing the Cluster’s dedication to the cause, Mrs. Ayeni emphasized the urgent need for special courts dedicated to trying rape cases, among other demands.
Several participants at the event highlighted the hindrances faced by survivors in the quest to get justice, describing them as discouraging factors that must be speedily addressed by government and other stakeholders.
