45th Session of the Human Rights Council
Statement by Love Matters Naija, Education as a Vaccine (EVA) and International Centre for Sexual and Reproductive Rights (INCRESE).
I make this statement on behalf of Love Matters Naija, Education as a Vaccine and International Centre for Sexual and Reproductive Rights, three organizations working on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria.
The incidence of SGBV is growing in Nigeria and actions to prevent and mitigate risks are lacking. Existing policy frameworks and institutional responses have been poor, which has perpetuated a culture of impunity.
There is a high level of sexual violence against girls in schools perpetrated by both teachers and schoolmates, and high levels of impunity for acts of SGBV committed by law enforcement. SGBV and sexual exploitation and abuse of women and girls in IDP camps is also a major concern in the northeast region of Nigeria.
This is evidenced in poor service provision and case management, law enforcement response, legislation and judicial process, and insufficient financial resources. SGBV has been exacerbated by the security situation coupled with the pandemic.
Therefore, we call on the Nigerian Government to:
- Fast track the domestication of the Child Rights Act in all states, especially in Northern states yet to pass it.
- Create accountability structures to monitor and ensure protection from all forms of harassment and abuses in educational institutions and law enforcement custody
- Put in place Community-based complaint mechanisms to reduce sexual exploitation and abuse in IDP camps.
- Create SGBV focal points in all local governments to monitor, document, and follow up cases of SGBV, providing immediate, victim-centered forensic medical examination and psychosocial support for victims of SGBV