NGO urges FG to investigate alleged violation against women by Amnesty Intl
NGO urges FG to investigate alleged violation against women by Amnesty Intl
By Mustapha Sumaila
Allegations
Abuja, May 24, 2018 (NAN) The Plan International, a development partner in Nigeria, has urged the Federal Government to investigate allegations of gross violations against women by the Nigerian security forces in the North East affected by insurgency.
Mr Hussaini Abdu, the Country Director, Plan International Nigeria, gave the advice in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that promotes children’s rights and equality for girls with its headquarters in Canada.
The 2017/2018 Amnesty International reports on Nigeria had alleged that the Nigerian military arbitrarily arrested and held thousands of young men, women and children in detention centres around the country.
However, the report was denied by the federal government and described it as lacking credibility and failing short of evidential narration.
Abdu explained that Amnesty International report raised a serious alarm and must not be swept under the carpet.
“The allegations of gross violations by the Nigerian security forces must be thoroughly investigated by the government and perpetrators must be brought to justice.
“Girls and women fleeing Boko Haram insurgency in north-eastern Nigeria have experienced some of the worst atrocities and extreme forms of physical and sexual violence, including rape.
“There are consistent reports that these violations have been perpetrated not just by insurgents but also other actors, including government officials,” he said.
He stated that this was totally unacceptable and must be addressed as an urgent priority.
The country director urged the federal government to put necessary mechanisms in place for survivors to report incidents of sexual exploitation and abuse, and have access to justice.
“It is also critical that training and oversight of troops emphasise that sexual exploitation and sexual violence are unlawful and violate the rights of women and girls.
“Plan International has been strongly advocating for systematic protection of displaced adolescent girls who are particularly vulnerable due to their age and gender and this includes preventing and responding to sexual and gender based violence.
“Survivors of sexual violence must be able to access the full range of psychosocial support services, including essential sexual and reproductive healthcare, case management and referral services,” he added.
He said that Plan International Nigeria did not have active presence in camps hosting displaced populations but work largely in communities hosting internally displaced persons.
According to him, his organisation has no presence in the “satellite camps” mentioned in the Amnesty International report. (NAN)
MS/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola