Rape is a big threat to lasting peace and development- NHRC

The National Human Rights Commission in Lagos State has described Rape and gender based violence as one of the most pervasive violations of human rights in the world, one of the least prosecuted crimes, and one of the greatest threats to lasting peace and development.
Lagos State Coordinator of NHRC Mr Lucas B.Koyejo made this disclosure at a rally to drum support for campaign against rape and other forms of sexual abuse, on Tuesday 16th June 2020.

Addressing representatives of media organizations,Koyejo decried the incidence of rape and domestic violence in Nigeria which is fast assuming a pandemic status comparable if not more serious than Covid 19.

He lamented that there is need to do much more to respond to the cries for justice of women, men, children and people with disabilities who have suffered gender based violence.
‘’We have to do much more to end these horrible abuses and the impunity that allows these human rights violations to continue’’.
‘’I think we can all agree that the time for complacency is long gone, it is time for action to tackle this evil deeds. The culture of silence on violence against women and rape need to be broken and now is the time for stronger action.’’ He noted.

Koyejo added that Rape and other SGBV has tremendous costs to individuals and communities,with a negative lasting impact on the physical, social and psychological wellbeing of victims with direct impact on communities, nations and societies. If left unaddressed, these human rights violations pose serious consequences for current and future generations.
The effects of violence can remain with women and children for a lifetime, and can pass from one generation to another.
He said studies show that children who have witnessed, or been subjected to sexual violence are more likely to become victims or abusers themselves.
He called for urgent strengthening of laws that deals with rape and SGBV to conform to the serious gravity of the offence through stiffer penalties and most importantly enforcement of the laws against gender-based violence will go a long way in checking the current dangerous trend.
No rapist or abuser should be allowed to go free.
Coordinator said ending rape and SGBV is one of NHRC’s key priorities and a critical part of the Commission’s mandate to protect and promote human rights. He
He disclosed that the Commission will continue to cooperate with partners, CSOs and various arms of government in ending violence against women and girls, working with survivors to empower them and making sure their experiences are taken into consideration in the development of responses.
Also speaking at the rally were CSOs in the state, the representatives from the Human Rights and Gender unit of Lagos State Police Command who said the Police is doing everything possible to ensure that all rape cases are treated urgently, she called on Nigerians to report all rape and domestic violence cases to the Nigerian Police for necessary asction.
The Coordinator ,all staffof the Lagos Office as well as CSOs ,security agencies including the Lagos State Neighborhood Security Corps and the Nigerian Police participated in the walk from the NHRC State office to LTV and MITV stations.