Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna state has known as for vigorous enforcement of the legislation in prosecuting offenders amongst different drastic measures to handle rising instances of rape throughout the nation.
Addressing a webinar organised by the Motion Towards Rape and Sexual Violence (MARS-V) on Saturday, the governor, whereas citing Kaduna state legal guidelines, stated rapists ought to get life imprisonment for the rape of minors and 21 years for the rape of adults.
He nevertheless known as for the coaching of victims and legislation enforcement officers on preservation of proof for profitable prosecution of rape instances.
El-Rufai listed concern of stigmatisation, breakdown of the judicial system and lack of high quality investigation as among the elements hindering prosecution of instances of rape and Gender Based mostly Violence (GBV).
In keeping with the governor, “There a seeming conspiracy of silence by conventional and spiritual leaders, the place society as an entire insists on overlaying up instances of rape. Mother and father cowl up rape instances for concern of stigma. There’s a want for moms to sensitize their male kids from childhood on the necessity to respect girls.
‘’One of many major challenges confronted within the battle in opposition to gender primarily based violence is the breakdown within the judicial course of, which ends up in delay in justice being served, because of corruption, private beliefs and laxity of some judges. Most of these charged with the investigation of gender primarily based violence aren’t properly skilled, and might be simply compromised by corruption and incompetence.
“Victims also needs to be sensitized on the significance of holding proof, to make sure that perpetrators of such heinous acts are delivered to justice. Rape is a prison offence that must be confirmed past cheap doubt however there’s usually no preservation of proof after rape, both by the victims or by officers put in command of investigating such instances.’’
El-Rufai stated Kaduna state has put measures in place to battle in opposition to rape and GBV as one of many few states to have domesticated the Baby Rights Act. Kaduna state enacted the Baby Welfare and Safety Legislation in February 2018 below which women aren’t allowed to get married till they full their secondary college schooling, which in essence means marriages can’t occur till the age of 18.
Kaduna state has additionally handed the Administration of Legal Justice Act, which can assist to hurry up the trial of prison issues, and established 4 sexual assault referral facilities for medical and psychological counselling.
The spouse of the governor, Hajiya Aisha-Ummi Garba El-Rufai, who was one of many panelists, known as for extra stringent legal guidelines in opposition to rape to discourage rapists, who’re turning into violent, from destroying the lives of victims.
She known as for joint motion between authorities and non-governmental organisation to make sure full implementation of anti-rape legal guidelines. Aisha urged dad and mom to talk out when their kids are raped and never cowl up the crime.
Minister of Girls Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, who lamented that rape epidemic has existed for lengthy in Nigeria with girls and women most affected by GBV, famous that solely 10% of rape instances had been reported.
She known as for lady little one schooling, database on gender primarily based violence and collaboration between governmental businesses and NGOs in tacking rape instances and different Gender Based mostly Violence.
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