16 days of activism: NHRC handles over 200 GBV cases in Kogi
The National Human Rights Commission, (NHRC) says it has handled over 200 cases of Gender Based Violence, (GBV) in the last one year.
The Kogi State Coordinator of NHRC Barrister Nuhu Musa disclosed this on Monday when the agency in collaboration with Concerned Youths and Teen Forum (CONYOUTH) took the campaign against Gender Based Violence, (GBV) to Muslim Community Secondary School Lokoja.
Musa noted that the agency has continued to engage with relevant stakeholders to reduce the scourge of all forms of GBV in Kogi State.
According to him, We are carrying the sensitization of Students to mark the 2024 International Human Rights Day which is aimed at putting an end to school bullying and ensuring that Gender Based Violence is reduced at the barest minimum. It is a menace which must be totally eradicated.
“For records, our office has handled several cases of Gender Based Violence. Over 200 cases has been handled by the National Human Rights Commission in Kogi State. For those cases that needed prosecution, we normally refer them to the State or Federal Attorney General depending on the case. At our level, we have not referred any case for prosecution so far. What we have done is reconciliation, and the need to maintain peace and harmony among the People.
He appealed to the general public to be a good ambassador of the society by helping to disseminate the message of putting an end to all forms of Gender Based Violence in Kogi State.
The President, Concerned Youths and Teens Forum of Nigeria (CONYOUTH) Barr. Joy Oluwaseun Akinola Esq in her remarks
said the campaign is also aimed at ensuring that young people fight against GBV in the State. “We prefer prevention rather than looking for punitive measures where issues of GBV has taken place.
“As part of our prevention mechanism, today we inaugurated GBV club of Muslim Community Secondary School. What this means is that we have identified two students in a class, Male and Female in which we will train them on GBV.
“The two Students across the classes will form the inaugural members of GBV of the School. Our collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission, and other NGO’s is that we need to unite to end GBV.
“We don’t duplicate efforts, but we ensure tothat all stakeholders say no to GBV. The good way to start is to catch the young People at this early age so that they can become ambassador.
He added that the two ambassador per class are going to watch out for incidence of GBV in their classes which will be reported to the school authority. “We will continue to provide psychosocial support with other NGO’S including FIDA, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp towards ending GBV in Kogi State.
According to her, the organization is committed to a State free of Gender Based Violence.
On her part, the Assistant State Commissioner, Girls Guild
Mrs Peace Okorie Nigeria Girl Guilds frowned that some girls have been facing abuse due to their menstrual cycle. She tasked the Girl Child on good personal hygiene to maintain a healthy living.
“When seeing your period, it is important to consistently change your menstrual pad, bath constantly and many more. Girls should be proud of their menstrual cycle and not be ashamed”.
She charged the Student to remain focused in their academic pursuit stressing that, the NGO remain committed in protecting the girl Child from any form of GBV in the State.
It was gathered that the National Human Rights Commission in collaboration with Concerned Youths and Teens Forum of Nigeria
the Bridge Inspire Foundation, Oladele John Nihi Foundation
Save, Protect and Empower Foundation, Young African Leaders Initiative and Girls Guild are all championing the course against Gender Based Violence in the State.
