The Sexual Assault Referral
Centre (SARC) in Nigeria conference has urged the federal government to
establish special courts to try rape cases and other sexual offences in the
country.
At its network meeting in Abuja
in Wednesday, the group said the measure would fast-track the prosecution and
conviction of those found guilty of rape.
The meeting was organised by the
British Council under its European Union (EU) funded Rule of Law and
Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme.
Priscilla Ankut, manager, access
to justice for women, children and persons with disabilities (PWDs) at RoLAC,
lamented over the prosecution of rape cases drag for years, thereby denying
victims justice.
“A specialised court to try rape
cases and other sexual offences would make the prosecution of sexual offices
faster,” she said.
“A situation where an 11-year old
was raped and the offender was being prosecuted for years, such that the victim
has become an adult and many things might have also changed.”
Ketil Karlsen, European Union
ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said sexual and gender-based violence
requires a coordinated action that would guarantee the safety and security of
vulnerable women and children across the world.
“In Nigeria, the European Union
continues to highlight the importance of the fight against SGBV through a campaign
aimed at raising public awareness, as well as a call to action by the citizens
and the government,” Karlsen said.
Joy Ezeilo, chairman of SARC
network and Member, United Nations civil society advisory board on prevention
of sexual exploitation and abuse, said the network supports survivors of sexual
violence to aid their recovery and obtain redress.
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