Why Nigeria must confront gender-based violence decisively – NHRC

The National Human Rights Commission has explained why Nigeria needs to double up in its quest to confront the widespread gender-based violence in the country.

The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, disclosed this in a press conference in collaboration with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, International IDEA, on Friday to herald this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

Ojukwu emphasised the significance of this year’s theme, “Equality: Reducing Inequality and Advancing Human Rights,” highlighting its importance as a reminder and a call to action to reaffirm our collective commitment to protecting the rights of every individual in Nigeria and beyond.

He called for collaboration and investment of key stakeholders like the media, faith-based organisations, human rights actors, student unions, women’s associations, and security agencies to restrategize in stemming the tide against violence against women.

This year’s campaign is particularly crucial in Nigeria, where gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue.

This comes as data from the United Nations Women showed that nearly one in three women experience violence in their lifetime and girls are at particular risk of violence, with one in four adolescent girls being abused by their partners.

Ojukwu said International Human Rights Day serves as an opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made as a nation in advancing the fundamental rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and other international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a party.

“It also challenges us to confront the gaps and obstacles that continue to hinder the full realisation of these rights.

“For this year’s commemoration and as usual, the National Human Rights Commission and its partners have lined up a series of impactful programmes and initiatives designed to amplify the voices of the marginalised, promote accountability, and foster a deeper understanding of human rights among all stakeholders.

“These activities are designed to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and inspire action towards addressing inequalities and advancing human rights across Nigeria,’ he said.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is scheduled for 25 November to December 10, 2024.