16 Days Of Activism: UNODC Decries Increasing Violence

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has expressed concerns over the increasing menace of Gender Based Violence (GBV), stressing that over one million crimes related to violence against women and girls were recorded in 2022 and 2023.

This is even as it has called for urgent action against gender-based violence, describing it as an epidemic that knows no borders, adding that the figure accounts for 20% of all police-recorded crime, which makes it more urgent for stakeholders to end this scourge.

The Country Representative of UNODC, Cheikh Toure, noted that GBV is a significant issue in Nigeria, affecting women and girls across social classes, ethnic groups, and cultures.

He said this while speaking at an event in Abuja on Monday to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism Campaign against Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria, which is supported by the MacArthur Foundation and the Government of Denmark.

He noted that GBV is often under-reported due to a reluctance to speak about it, fear of stigmatization, and the domestic nature of the violence, even as he advised governments at all levels to intensify efforts against GBV.

He noted that: “Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed. Let that sink in today. We gather not just to launch the 16 Days of Activism Campaign but to make a clarion call for action against gender-based violence- an epidemic that knows no borders. Violence against women and girls is the most pervasive human rights violation globally. Nearly one in three women and girls experience violence in their lifetime.

“This is not merely a statistic; it is a reality for countless individuals—our mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends. The urgency of our mission cannot be overstated. We stand at a critical juncture where our collective efforts can lead to meaningful change”.

He said: “This year’s theme, “Unite to End Violence Against Women,” isn’t just a catchy slogan; it is a powerful rallying cry for accountability and action. It’s a call to arms. We need action, not words. Accountability, not excuses. Resources, not empty promises. We must demand that all duty bearers—especially states—take decisive steps to address the issues highlighted in the 30-year review of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: accountability, recommitment, and resources.”

Toure also bemoaned poor data collection on femicide in most African countries and warned that without data, the fight against gender-based violence is like fighting blindly.