The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) has joined the global community in commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, with a strong call for urgent and collective action to address the devastating impact of sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict settings. Marking the day under the theme “Breaking the Cycle, Healing the Scars,” YEAC-Nigeria emphasized the need to support survivors, uphold justice, and break the silence surrounding conflict-related sexual violence.
In a statement signed by the organisation’s Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, sexual violence was described as a gross violation of human rights with severe physical, psychological, and social consequences. The group noted that in many conflict zones, sexual violence is used as a deliberate weapon of war to terrorize and destabilize communities.
“In Nigeria, we have legal frameworks such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act of 2015, which is a critical step in preventing and responding to sexual violence. “However, more needs to be done to ensure full enforcement, victim support, and accountability.”
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YEAC-Nigeria also highlighted the relevance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) especially Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) as essential global commitments to ending sexual and gender-based violence and promoting human rights, peace, and justice.
The organization called on all sectors of society, including government bodies, civil society organizations, security agencies, and individuals, to join hands to: “Prevent sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict situations. “Provide adequate support and protection to victims and survivors, ensure justice by holding perpetrators accountable. Foster a culture of respect, dignity, and human rights.
“Together, we can break the cycle of violence and support survivors in their journey towards healing and justice,” the statement concluded. The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is observed every June 19 to raise awareness of the need to put an end to sexual violence related to conflicts and to honor the victims, survivors, and those committed to eradicating such acts worldwide.
