To strengthen Nigeria’s response to the crime of cyber-violence, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has rallied stakeholders in the security sector to address the growing incidence of revenge pornography.
UNODC Nigeria Country Representative, Cheikh Touré, observed that cyber-violence of revenge porn is one of the most deeply personal forms of online harm that demands urgent attention to tackle because it tramples on human dignity and inflicts life-long emotional harm on victims.
He stated this at the opening of a three-day workshop on Cybercrime and Violence Against Women Through Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), themed ‘Cyber-Interpersonal Violence: The Challenge of Responding to Revenge Porn,’ on Tuesday in Abuja.
Touré explained, “The non-consensual sharing of intimate images, commonly and painfully known as revenge porn, is not just a technical issue; it’s not just a legal challenge; it is a profound violation of privacy, dignity, autonomy and security.
“It is a form of violence that leaves scars, not only on skin, but in lives, and it is disproportionately affecting women, though let’s be clear, it impacts men, young people and individuals from all walks of life. The trauma is universal, the devastation can be lifelong.”
The Country Representative noted that the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime (UNCAC) remains the key global legal instrument in combating all forms of cybercrimes, as it has provisions that enable countries to work together to fight the menace.
Urging participants to work together in understanding how to use the UNCAC to protect the public, Touré said, “This workshop is not just about legal framework, this is about people, it’s about prevention, it’s about healing.
“It means closing jurisdictional gaps, so no perpetrator can hide behind borders and or technology. And overall, it means ensuring no survivor is left without justice, safety or support. And this is about building a Nigeria in a world where the digital space is not a battlefield for dignity, but a place where rights are protected.”
Deputy Head of Mission of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Nigeria, Kristin Wæringsaasen, stated that her government is firmly behind the UNODC, offering support to ensure the fight against cybercrime, including revenge porn and other forms of cyber-violence, is brought to a halt.
According to her, Norway’s partnership reflects a growing international commitment to addressing the complex challenges posed by technology-enabled violence.
“Digital technologies have transformed our societies in a profound way, they are opening up new avenues for education, economic growth, civic engagement and global connectivity. But alongside these opportunities, we are witnessing the emergence of new and deeply concerning forms of violence, particularly against women and girls.
“Cyber-related violence, including online harassment, exploitation and abuse, is not confined to virtual spaces; it has real-world consequences, undermining safety, dignity and human rights. It’s enforcing existing inequalities and creates new barriers to participation, especially for women and girls,” she said.
Wæringsaasen assured that Norway is proud to support UNODC, both globally and here in Nigeria, through its development cooperation, which aims to promote inclusive governance, human rights and the rule of law.
“We believe that a strong and coordinated response to cyber-related violence is essential to achieving these goals. This workshop is an opportunity to share knowledge, strengthen institutional capacity and build a mutual sector response that is both effective and sustainable.
“It is also a chance to centre the voices of survivors, civil society and youth, whose experience and insights must guide our effort,” she concludes.
