The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed has assured the Federal Government of the United Nations (UN) commitment towards ending all forms of gender-based violence in the country.
Mohammed, gave the assurance in Abuja while unveiling the Nigeria Sexual Offender Register launched to provide database of persons who have been convicted of
sexual crimes.
According to her, “the UN is committed to supporting government in the world including Nigeria to save girls and women from violent act.
She added that the EU/UN spotlight initiative has been rolled out to end gender based violence here in Nigeria, noting federal government efforts to bringing culprits to book.
” The 16 days activism against gender based violence, themed, ‘Generation Equality Stands Against Rape’’ was a call for all to speak out against rape and other
forms of violence, as well as ensure necessary actions were taken to
curb the scourge.
In her keynote address, the Founder Gbowee Peace Foundation Ms Leymah Gbowee, stressed the need for the government, relevant authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that people at the local level have full knowledge about the sexual offender registry.
She stressed the need for minstreaming response to Gender Based Violence in the National Discourse, adding that there was the need for sustainability and continuity of the Sexual Offender Registry in order to bring an end to all forms of gender based violence.
Meanwhile, the Programme Director on Justice, Security and Conflict at the
British Council Bob Arnot, said the effort was to serve as a deterrent to potential offenders and contribute to the reduction of escalating cases of sexual assault especially against women and girls.
Similarly, during a panel discusiion, Hajiya Amina Bello, a Gynaecologist and wife of Niger State Governor, said children exposed to sexual abuse and violations were at the risk of having mental
disorder, risky sexual behavior, juvenile delinquency, drug abuse and
others.
Bello, further stressed the need to ensure that sexual assault victims had access to both mental and physical treatment, particularly treatment for STDs, prevention of pregnancy and others.
On her part, Mrs Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi decried the effects of gender and
seula based violence on the society, stressing the need to end it,
which would make women and girls less vulnerable in the society.
She also called on private sectors to invest and be more committed in
the fight to end gender and sexual based violence, as they had shown
in other entertainment activities.
