As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, survivors, activists, and human rights organisations come together to raise awareness about the devastating impact of conflict-related sexual violence and demand justice for victims.
A survivor of conflict-related sexual violence bravely shared her story, highlighting the emotional and physical trauma she endured. The survivor, who wished to remain anonymous, spoke about the stigma and shame she faced in her community.
She said, “I found myself battling with sexual infections, and I also found myself avoiding people. The stigma does not go away easily, even the trauma, and it keeps playing in my head, and also I have really been battling with hallucinations lately”.
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Chief Legal Officer, National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Rivers State Office, Dr. Obianuju Alimole, highlighted the ways the commission supports victims in advocating for their rights and counselling sessions where victims and survivors can access emotional support and therapy.
“As a human right lawyer with the commission they ensure they have access to justice, legal aid, and protection from discrimination, the National Human Right Commission, we have a counselling session where survivors comes in for therapy and counselling after a proper legal and medical support this enable them to heal and rebuild their lives and participate fully in the society” she noted.
This year’s commemoration highlights the urgent need for increased support for survivors and renewed efforts to hold perpetrators accountable. Also, as the international community marks this important day, it’s clear that much work remains to be done to protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.
