- 1,145 fatalities, 393 convictions
- 427,606 complaints of human rights violations in October alone
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
As Nigeria prepares to launch the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, running from November 25 to December 10, 2024, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) initiative have highlighted the urgent need for action in light of alarming statistics. Between 2020 and 2023, Nigeria reported 27,698 cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), resulting in 1,145 fatalities and only 393 convictions for perpetrators.
NHRC’s Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, emphasised the gravity of the situation during a press briefing on Friday.
“These figures are not just numbers; they represent lives lost and futures destroyed,” he stated, urging for a collective response to this crisis.
He noted that in October alone, the NHRC received a staggering 427,606 complaints related to human rights violations, underscoring the pervasive nature of violence against women in the country.
He said the campaign aims to engage various stakeholders, including governmental bodies, civil society organizations, and the media, to foster collaboration and drive initiatives aimed at reducing violence against women. “We must galvanize our efforts to create a safer environment for all individuals,” Ojukwu added.
He said this year’s theme “Equality – Reducing Inequality and Advancing Human Rights”, highlighted the need for collaboration among stakeholders to combat gender-based violence effectively.
According to him, the NHRC aims to mobilize diverse stakeholders during the 16 Days Activism—including media, civil society, and security agencies—to combat this pervasive issue.
Recent reports indicate that one in three women in Nigeria experiences violence in their lifetime, with 33% of women aged 15-49 having encountered physical or sexual violence.
The campaign will feature nationwide events, including advocacy visits to legislative bodies and community engagement to promote awareness and legislative reform.
Ojukwu, speaking on the theme said: “This theme serves as a powerful reminder and a call to action for all of us to reaffirm our commitment to protecting the rights of every individual,” he stated.
He highlighted that “In October alone, the NHRC received 427,606 complaints of human rights violations from our offices across Nigeria,” underscoring the serious nature of gender-based violence in the country. He noted that nearly one in three women globally experience violence in their lifetime, with adolescent girls being particularly vulnerable.
He noted that nearly one in three women globally experience violence in their lifetime, with adolescent girls being particularly vulnerable.
The RoLAC initiative, funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), is set to play a crucial role in this campaign. Their ongoing efforts have included establishing Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) across Nigeria, which have provided critical support to thousands of survivors.