Thompson Yamput
An activist, Ms Joyce Ajifa-Haruna, has called on the Federal government to expedite action on total elimination of conflict-related sexual violence in the country by dealing with perpetrators.
Ajifa-Haruna, a Kogi-born advocate for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, made the call in Lokoja on Thursday to commemorate the 2025 International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.
“It’s high time the federal government and other relevant authorities ensure that sexual violence related charges against perpetrators are effectively and successfully prosecuted and punished to serve as deterrent.
“The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, was created, not only to raise awareness but to honor survivors of sexual violence and to pay tribute to all those lost their lives around the world when standing up against these crimes,” she said.
She lamented that despite widespread awareness and condemnation, the scourge still continues around the world.
She described Sexual violence in conflict as a “crime that silences voices,” saying that silence only deepens when those who speak out go unheard, and those who perpetrate the horrific crimes go unpunished.
The activist 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.
“This is why we underscore the importance of effective action to end impunity for conflict-related sexual violence in the country
“Therefore, Nigerians must unite to end this despicable crime, demand justice for survivors and sustain critical efforts to end the cycle of violence for good.
“We also urge the victims to speak up, as keeping quiet will only encourage perpetrators to continue in the crime, ” she said. NAN
