The Federal Government has been urged to expedite action on total elimination of conflict-related sexual violence in the country.
A Kogi State born Advocate for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Joyce Ajifa Haruna made the call in Lokoja on Thursday in a message to commemorate this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict in Lokoja.
Speaking on the importance of the day, the advocate said the day was set aside, not only to raise awareness but to honor survivors of sexual violence and to pay tributes to all those who have devoted and lost their lives around the world when standing up against these crimes.
Ms Haruna who maintained that despite widespread awareness and condemnation, the scourge still continues around the world, urged government to ensure that sexual violence related charges against perpetrators are effectively and successfully investigated.
She described Sexual violence in conflict as a crime that silences voices, noting that silence only deepens when those who speak out go unheard and when those who perpetrate these horrific crimes go unpunished.
The Advocate maintained that Conflict-related sexual violence is a devastating form of attack and repression, which has lasting, harmful effects on survivors’ physical, sexual, reproductive, and mental health, and destroys the social fabric of communities.
While underscoring the importance of effective action to end impunity for conflict-related sexual violence in the country,
Ms Haruna called on Nigerians to unite to end this despicable crime, demand justice for survivors, and sustain critical efforts to end the cycle of violence for good.
She also urged the victims to speak up, as keeping quiet would encourage perpetrators to continue in the crime. (vitalnewsngr.com)
