EU to provide special court for victims of sexual violence

• Foundation calls for decisive action against perpetrators

As the world begins commemoration of 16 Days of Activism against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), the European Union has said it will prioritise the creation of a special court for SGBV cases in the country.

It also called for a joint effort towards speeding up the prosecution of offenders and guaranteeing access to justice for victims of sexual assault.

European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS), Samuela Isopi, stated this at a press briefing in Abuja, yesterday.

She disclosed that during the 16 Days of Activism, victims of sexual assault would receive free legal and psychological counselling under a joint effort by the EU’s Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC), the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Judiciary, and the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

Also, Dinidari Africa Foundation has enjoined authorities to take decisive action against perpetrators of SGBV against women in the country.

Executive Director of the foundation, Ndi Kato, called on government agencies and non-government organisations to make a commitment towards ending the trend.

Kato said, as a leading voice in the promotion and protection of women’s rights in Nigeria, his outfit, in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), organised the training of leaders in six area councils of Abuja on how to respond to cases of SGBV within their communities.