On the auspicious occasion of International Human Rights Day, Rainbow Watch and Development Centre joins the global community in observing the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
Today, we shine a spotlight on the critical importance of defending the rights of women and girls, particularly in Nigeria, as outlined in the recent human rights report.
The human rights report on Nigeria, which documents the egregious violations suffered by women, compels us to demand that the Government takes immediate and robust actions to protect and advance women’s human rights. Our organization vehemently condemns all forms of gender-based violence, including sexual assault, domestic abuse, child marriage, and female genital mutilation, which continue to plague our communities despite constitutional protections.
Nigeria has made significant strides in promoting gender equality, however, it is disheartening that women and girls still face pervasive discrimination and violence. The recent report reveals a distressing range of human rights violations against women, indicating the urgency for comprehensive intervention, including legislative reforms and the adequate allocation of resources.
Rainbow Watch and Development Centre calls upon the Nigerian Government to:
1. Strengthen Legislation: Enact and enforce comprehensive legislation that specifically addresses gender-based violence, ensuring it is in line with international human rights standards and treaties ratified by Nigeria. This includes robust punishment for perpetrators and mechanisms for support, rehabilitation, and justice for survivors.
2. Enhance Law Enforcement: Facilitate the rigorous training of law enforcement agencies to sensitively and effectively address cases of gender-based violence. Implement protocols for comprehensive investigations and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
3. Improve Access to Justice: Establish specialized courts or designate existing courts to handle gender-based violence cases promptly. Increase the number of female judges and legal personnel to create safe spaces for women seeking justice. Furthermore, provide legal aid and support services to survivors of gender-based violence in all regions of Nigeria.
4. Implement Awareness Programs: Develop and implement comprehensive awareness campaigns targeting men, women, and youth to challenge harmful stereotypes, prejudices, and social norms that perpetuate gender-based violence. Promote the positive roles that men and boys can play in fostering a safe and equal society.
5. Allocate Adequate Resources: Allocate sufficient financial and human resources to support the implementation of policies, programs, and services that address gender-based violence. This includes funding for crisis centers, shelters, counseling services, and comprehensive sex education initiatives.
Rainbow Watch and Development Centre believes that the protection and promotion of women’s human rights are not only essential for their well-being but are also crucial for the overall development and prosperity of our nation. On this International Human Rights Day, we call for a renewed commitment from the Nigerian Government and all stakeholders to eradicate gender-based violence and to ensure that women and girls can live free from fear, violence, and discrimination.
Michael Lenee Gbarale
Executive Director
Rainbow Watch and Development Centre
rainbowwatchdc2014@gmail.com
