INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN CONFLICT
“WOMEN’S BODIES ARE NOT BATTLEGROUNDS”!
We urge the government, international organizations, and civil society to work together to create a world free from sexual violence and where survivors receive the support and justice. As we commemorate this day, IRIAD – The Electoral Hub calls for a holistic and multi-stakeholder approach to addressing CRSV.
On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict June 19, 2024, we at the IRIAD – The Electoral Hub stand in solidarity with survivors and advocate for an end to this crime against humanity. This day serves as a reminder of the suffering faced by individuals worldwide who endure sexual violence in conflict areas.
Sexual Violence in Conflict (SVC) or Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) has devastating impact on individuals, communities, and societies. As an organization dedicated to promoting democratic values and human rights, we recognize the significance of this day and the need for collective action to combat sexual violence in conflict areas. The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is commemorated annually to honor victims and survivors, raise awareness about the need to put an end to conflict-related sexual violence and acknowledge those who have dedicated their lives to fighting these atrocities.
Sexual violence is a significant problem in Nigeria. The ongoing violence and conflicts across different geopolitical zones of Nigeria has led to widespread sexual violence, including mass abductions of women and schoolgirls particularly in North East and North West of Nigeria. Many of these victims have been subjected to rape, sexual slavery, and forced marriage. In 2023, humanitarian service providers registered cases of sexual violence, including sexual slavery, against 296 women, 211 girls, and 4 boys. The UN Security Council report on sexual violence in conflict indicated that non-state armed groups continued to abduct women and girls, subjecting them to rape and sexual slavery as a reward for fighters and an incentive for new recruits. The report also revealed that as compared to last year, the prevalence of conflicts such as banditry, kidnapping, sectionalist activities, etc., has led to an increased level of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). While some progress steps in addressing CRSV have been made, more still needs to be done.
As we commemorate this day and address the issue of CRSV, IRIAD -The Electoral Hub issues a CALL TO ACTION as follows:
- Immediate action by the government to protect health care services in conflict areas and ensure that survivors receive the comprehensive care and justice.
- Multi-stakeholder approach to addressing CRSV, while urging all stakeholders – the government, international organizations, media, and civil society to work together to create a world free from sexual violence, and where survivors receive the support and justice.
- All of us to “spark hope, knowledge and inspiration as we lift our voices to say: #EndRapeInWar” #EndCRSV
#EliminateSexualViolence #SupportSurvivorsOfCRSV #ProtectionOfWomenAndGirls #GenderAccountability #WomenLivesMatter #WomensRightsMatter
Signed
Princess Hamman-Obels, Director|IRIAD-The Electoral Hub
Phone: +234 9151221138 and + 234 9086998850
E-mail: electoralhub@gmail.com and comms.iriad@gmail.com
Twitter: @electoralhub and @iriadev
Instagram: @electoralhub, @theelectoralforum, and @iriadev
Facebook: @electoralhubng, @electoralforum, and @iriadev
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-electoral-hub and https://www.linkedin.com/company/iriadev
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@electoralhub1196
Website: https://www.iriadng.org and https://www.electoralhub.org
ABOUT IRIAD AND THE ELECTORAL HUB
The Initiative for Research, Innovation, and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) is an interdisciplinary knowledge and advocacy hub committed and focused on developing a critical understanding of governance processes and regimes from research, documentation, policy engagements, public education and impact advocacy.
The Electoral Hub is an affiliate of IRIAD. It is committed to promoting electoral knowledge, integrity, and accountability in Nigeria. Our aim is to strengthen electoral governance and accountability in Nigeria through the provision of data, critical and contextualized analysis, and solutions to improve the credibility and integrity of the electoral process.
…promoting electoral knowledge, accountability, and integrity
Knowledge| Innovation | Inclusion|
#Advocacy #Results #Impact
