The United Nations,the European Union and other groups on Thursday indicated their willingness to join Nigeria and other developing countries in the fight against sexual and gender based violence.
The groups made their position known in Abuja, while inuagurating, an inter- Ministerial Management Committee on Eradication of Sexual and Gender Based Violence.
The committee has representatives from the Ministries of Justice, Health, Women Affairs; the police, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Legal Aid Council, NAPTIP, Civil society organisations, among others.
In his speech,the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation,Mallam Abubakar Malami(SAN) said the members of the committee must come up with a solution to curtail the cases of rape and gender based violence in the country.
Also,the representative of United Nations Population Fund(UNFPA) Ulla Mueller said though, Nigeria, just like some other nations has witnessed an increase in rape and gender based violence in the last few months, because of the Coronavirus,but commended Nigeria for rising up to the occasion.
“We cannot say it enough, we all have a responsibility to end gender-based violence. It is a devastating occurrence that happens everyday in Nigeria. It is a reality that women and girls live in fear everyday.
“Unfortunately recently, we have seen a spike in gender-based violence during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We will be delighted to commend the Government of Nigeria for taking this initiative. It shows the commitment and dedication to put action behind the words of wanting to eradicate gender-based violence.” She said.
She further reiterated the commitment of the UN system to the efforts made by Nigeria so far, adding that: “We stand by you during these crises, we stand by you during theCovid-19 pandemic, commended Nigeria for rising to the challenge and called on all for support.
“We also stand side by side working with you in ending gender-based violence in Nigeria.”
Also in another goodwill message, the First Counsellor and Deputy Head of Delegation of the EU to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States, Alexandre Gomes, commended Nigeria for the initiative.
While noting that the country witnessed nearly 300 per cent increase in cases of sexual and gender-based violence during the Covid-19 lockdown, he urged Nigeria not to treat the issue as usual business.
He said the inauguration of the Inter-ministerial Committee is a milestone in the fight against what he described as “pandemic within a pandemic”, adding that the EU is prepared to support Nigeria in her quest at eradicating the menace.
In his speech,the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation,Abubakar Malami told the committee members to carry out an all in compassing examination issues, ranging from legal, socio-cultural to economic perspective.
The committee is also expected to develop and implement effective approaches for prevention and effective responses whenever the crime occurs.
“The enormity of this problem calls for a targeted approach and concerted effort of all relevant stakeholders. You all have been carefully selected to work assiduously together and come up with lasting solutions to the problem of SGBV in Nigeria,” the AGF said.
The minister stressed that the committees will be collaborating with the UN and civil society organisations and tap from their wealth of experience on the issue and ensure best practices in the attainment of this objective.
