In commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, a civic organisation, Insight Initiative for Community and Social Development (IICSD), has called on the Osun State Government and law enforcement agencies to fully implement the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) and other Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) laws in the state.
In a press release signed by the organisation’s Communications Officer, Sodiq Yusuf, IICSD commended the efforts of gender-focused organisations, civil society groups, youth advocates, and government institutions for their continued support and activism against SGBV.
However, the group raised concern over the under-utilisation of domesticated laws already enacted in Osun to tackle the menace.
While acknowledging the existence of comprehensive SGBV and VAPP laws within the state’s legal framework, IICSD noted that many cases are still being prosecuted under outdated laws like the Penal Code, which impose relatively light punishments on offenders.
“In the last few years, evidence from the cases handled by our organisation has shown that while perpetrators are arrested and charged to court, most cases are prosecuted under provisions like the Penal Code, which only prescribes mild penalties such as bail and three-month jail terms,” the statement read.
The group emphasised the importance of stiffer penalties, particularly in rape cases, which the VAPP law prescribes as punishable by 7 to 14 years’ imprisonment.
“This discrepancy undermines the deterrent value of the law and encourages repeat offences. For our state to be safe, the full weight of these laws must be brought to bear,” the statement continued.
IICSD further called on all stakeholders — including government officials, security agencies, development partners, and citizens — to urgently rally behind efforts to ensure the effective enforcement of these laws.
“The Osun situation is dear to us, and all stakeholders must come on board to enforce these laws if we want a society free of sexual and gender-based violence. People must not walk freely after committing heinous acts simply because the system failed to prosecute properly,” Yusuf added.
The organisation reiterated its commitment to advocacy, legal support, and victim protection, while urging the public to join its campaign to rid Osun State of sexual and gender-based violence.
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