RoLAC, Ministry Of Justice To Host Conference On Justice Response To SGBV

The European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, implemented by International IDEA in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Justice Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Unit, is set to host the 10th Network Conference of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs).

The conference, scheduled from Monday, November 18 to Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 9 a.m. daily at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, aims to review the challenges that continue to limit access to justice for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

According to Oluwatoyosi Giwa, Project Manager, Access to Justice, RoLAC Programme, “This conference is more than a gathering; it’s a collaborative review of measures adopted in some states which have proven successful in enabling positive justice outcomes for survivors. By bringing, judges, prosecutors and other front line responders to the conversation, we can enable learning and coordination that will enable all actors to improve the quality of medical, psychosocial and justice response for survivors.

The event will bring together critical stakeholders from government, the private sector, civil society organisations, and others to deliberate on key issues relating to justice for SGBV survivors. Discussions will cover budgetary commitments to prevent and respond to SGBV, initiatives by key agencies to improve response mechanisms, and the coordination of efforts across state commands and police gender desks.

Giwa further commented, “Our agenda includes strengthening the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act and addressing challenges faced by sexual assault referral centres. These dialogues are crucial for creating a more accountable, coordinated response that puts the needs of survivors first.”

The RoLAC Phase II Programme (2023–2027), funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), aims to strengthen the rule of law, combat corruption, and reduce gender-based violence while promoting inclusivity and respect for human rights in Nigeri