The International Human Rights Commission (INHRC) has urged stakeholders to intensify efforts in addressing the challenges of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.
Mr Mustapha Tukur, the Zonal Coordinator of the Commission for Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Yola on Tuesday.
He emphasised that the commission was always ready to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure the public was protected through the enforcement of legal provisions.
“We stand with humanity irrespective of any differences to ensure that victims and survivors receive the support they deserve,” Tukur said.
Tukur also highlighted that the commission had recorded over 1,000 human rights violations, with 407 cases successfully addressed in the last five years.
According to him, some cases are ongoing, while others have been referred to relevant authorities for redress.
He urged the public to report human rights violations to the commission’s office at the Federal Secretariat in Jimeta, Yola, for justice to be served and for the law to take its course.
Tukur expressed concern over the attitude of some parents who withdraw their cases, urging them to recognise that some of these cases involved the state, not just individuals.
He noted that there had been underreporting of GBV cases, a low level of community awareness, and harmful practices in the region.
Tukur added that the commission was committed to addressing the gaps.
He said that the efforts would help people understand the existence of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law, the Child Protection law, and other relevant laws.
Tukur further added that in Adamawa, 204 cases were received in 2024, of which 47 are currently in court, some are still ongoing, and a significant number have been resolved. (NAN)
