The Nigerian Bar Association Human Rights Institute (NBA-HRI) has urged for the adoption and effective execution of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015. Mr. Chino Obiagwu (SAN), Chairman of NBA-HRI, alongside Ms. Rashidat Muhammad, Secretary, emphasised this during a gathering in Lagos, marking the commencement of 16 days of activism against gender violence.
According to Obiagwu, the full implementation of this Act holds the key to significantly reducing violence against women and girls within our society. He highlighted that the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, observed annually on November 25, marks the inauguration of these 16 days dedicated to ending violence against women.
Obiagwu stressed the imperative for both federal and state governments to embrace and enforce the VAPP Act 2015 comprehensively. He called upon the National Assembly to swiftly pass the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill, aimed at localising the UN convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.
“The VAPP Act, designed to prevent and curb gender-based violence, encompasses various forms of abuse – from domestic violence to workplace harassment and gender discrimination. Despite its passage eight years ago, only a handful of states have adopted its provisions, lacking the essential infrastructure for full execution,” Obiagwu remarked.
NBA-HRI emphasises that such a critical law should command the utmost attention and priority from all governmental and law enforcement bodies at both federal and state levels. Throughout the 16 days of activism, NBA-HRI intends to consistently remind government institutions of the grave repercussions of violence against women, especially sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), on the nation’s economic and social development.
Obiagwu further urged the establishment of specialised departments for prosecuting sexual and gender-based crimes within all ministries of justice, both federally and at the state level. He assured that NBA-HRI stands prepared to extend necessary support to state institutions in their efforts to diminish impunity in cases of SGBV.
