A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and government agencies in Cross River State, southern Nigeria, have joined forces to raise awareness about the provisions of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law. The goal is to combat Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) and ensure the safety of society.
Creating Awareness and Ending Violence
The VAPP Law in Cross River State encompasses various issues, including child abandonment, rape, spousal battery, emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse. To effectively implement this law, it is crucial for the media to support the initiative by accurately informing the public about its provisions.
Partnerships for Change
A panel discussion was held, featuring representatives from the Cross River Ministry of Justice, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and the Child Protection Network (CPN). During the discussion, attention was drawn to the challenges hindering the implementation of the VAPP Law.
The Importance of Advocacy
Mrs. Ann Awah, the chairperson of FIDA, Cross River State, emphasized the importance of advocacy and continuous engagement with government stakeholders. She emphasized the need for the public to be aware of the punishments and fines prescribed by the law for convicted offenders. The VAPP Law is designed to protect survivors and victims rather than the perpetrators of violence.
Understanding the Provisions of the VAPP Law
Mr. Bassey Ofop from the Centre for Citizens Rights in the Ministry of Justice highlighted the importance of understanding the detailed functions of service providers such as the police, health officers, and the courts in handling cases of survivors. The law also establishes the Sex Offenders Register, which lists the gravity of offenders and provides punishment for child abandonment.
Challenges in Prosecution
Mrs. Justina Ogban from the Department of Public Prosecution in the Cross River Ministry of Justice shared the challenges faced in prosecuting cases of violence. She highlighted factors such as lack of diligent investigation and witness compromise, including witnesses being enticed or induced with compensation.
Continuous Education and Cooperation
Mr. Kebe Ikpi, the Coordinator of the Child Protection Network (CPN), stressed the importance of continuous education of the people on all aspects and provisions of the VAPP Law. CSOs will continue to engage with the government to ensure its responsibility towards citizens is fulfilled, with the ultimate goal of creating a safe and violence-free society for all.
