First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, has called for the inauguration of special courts to handle cases of Sexual and Gender Based Violence in the country.
The first lady made the appeal during the second Annual Conference of the Nigerian Governors Wives Forum, on Thursday, in Abuja.
The conference has as its theme, ‘Sustaining action of the state of emergency against sexual and gender based violence.’
According to her, the special courts would ensure speedy dispensation of justice.
She expressed concern over the continuous rise in SGBV cases and said it was imperative to scale up multi-dimensional approaches and strategies to combat all forms of GBV.
She said, “There is need for every state in Nigeria to domesticate the VAPP Act, even though it is encouraging to note that at least 30 states have signed the VAPP.
“There is need to encourage the remaining six states to do so as soon as possible because the lives of women and children continue to be at risk.
“Efforts need to be ramped up to provide adequate shelter and care for victims of GBV and every state should have a shelter, ideally every local government or, at least, senatorial district should have one.
“It is also very important to have sexual assault referral centres or safe spaces where victims can receive the required immediate and long-term support
“We need special courts where applicable, for speedy and effective handling of rape and GBV cases.’’
She said that the girl-child in Nigeria would continue to be a victim of exploitation and missed opportunities if nothing was done to remove the obstacles they faced in getting decent education.
(NAN).
