The Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, Mr Tony Ojukwu, on Monday said the Special Investigating Panel on Sexual and Gender Based Violence set up by the NHRC received 113 complaints and memorandums from the six geopolitical zones.
Many of the complaints were received from the South-East (35). With 19 complaints, North-Central came second followed by the North-West (17).
The South-South (26) came third followed by the South-West (12) in the fourth place.
The North-East has the lowest number (four).
Ojukwu spoke at the South-South zone public sitting of the panel in Benin on Monday in Benin.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Supreme Court Stands Down Judgement On Ihedioha’s Application
He said the panel had completed sittings in Abuja, Lagos, Owerri and Kano.
The NHRC chief said, “This panel and the commission will adhere to the principles of fair hearing in discharging their functions and will not stand idle and watch while the fundamental human rights of citizens are being trampled upon and violated by the law enforcement agencies, entities or individuals.”
Meanwhile, stakeholders at the sitting lamented that, in spite of the painful experiences, getting the victims to speak out had been the biggest hindrance to the fight against sexual violence.
Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers, Edo State chapter, Mrs Iryn Omorogiuwa, described sexual violence as a “terrible scourge,” saying victims needed to be encouraged to speak out.
Edo Commander, National Agency for Prohibition and Trafficking in Persons, Mrs Ijeoma Udual, said many of the victims got more abuses because of their refusal to speak out.
READ ALSO: C’ River Assembly rejects Justice Ikpeme as Chief Judge
Are you an artiste? Do you want your music to go viral and reach a large number of audience? Promote your music and Submit your story on Ujuayalogusblog.com by clicking here. For Advert Inquiries Tel/+44(0)7590363984
For More: Subscribe to Ujuayalogusblog.com
No comments:
Post a Comment