Group harps on justice for survivors of SGBV in Kaduna

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

A group under the auspices of SGBV Justice Network (SJN) Cluster, has stressed the need for effective justice delivery for survivors of Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in Kaduna State.
This was asserted by Mrs Hanatu Ahuwan while addressing the media in Kaduna yesterday.
She said the group in collaboration with the USAID-funded Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) project, united in its pursuit of justice for survivors of SGBV and the protection of their rights.
According to her for the group to achieve effective justice delivery for survivors of SGBV, the state must enhance and efficient implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law (VAPPL) and the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) in Kaduna State.
Kaduna State according to her has taken significant steps by enacting these crucial legislations. However, the effectiveness of these laws relies heavily on their implementation.
“The Kaduna State Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law prohibits all forms of violence against any person and prescribes penalties for perpetrating any of the rights therein.
“The Administration of Criminal Justice Law was enacted to ensure that the system of administration of criminal justice promotes efficient management of criminal justice institutions speedy dispensation of justice, protection of the society from crime and protection of the rights and interests of the victim, suspect, and defendant.”
Mrs Hanatu however expressed dismay that less penalties for offences in the VAPP Law than in the Penal Code thereby leading to prosecutors not applying the VAPP Law for charging SGBV cases.