The Federal Government has issued an urgent call for enhanced measures to combat conflict-related sexual violence, urging stakeholders to strengthen prevention, protection, and accountability frameworks across affected communities nationwide.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made the appeal in a statement marking the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, released on Saturday in Abuja.
Describing the crime as one of the most severe consequences of insecurity, terrorism, and armed conflict, the Minister warned of its profound implications for peace, stability, and national development. She emphasised that such violence inflicts lasting physical, emotional, and psychological harm on survivors while undermining families, destabilising communities, and hindering recovery and reconciliation efforts.
While women and girls bear the heaviest burden of conflict-related sexual violence, Mrs Sulaiman-Ibrahim acknowledged that men and boys are also affected, often facing stigma and significant barriers to accessing support. She categorised the issue as a direct threat to national security, social cohesion, and sustainable development.
The Minister called for a coordinated multi-sectoral response, urging security agencies, judicial bodies, schools, healthcare providers, and social welfare services to enhance collaboration and improve prevention and response mechanisms. She also appealed to traditional and religious leaders to champion violence prevention, protect vulnerable groups, and promote values of peace, dignity, and mutual respect.
Community organisations and development partners were encouraged to intensify awareness campaigns and expand survivor-support initiatives, while parents and caregivers were urged to instil respect, empathy, and peaceful coexistence within families—described as the “first line of defence against violence, abuse, and radicalisation.”
Mrs Sulaiman-Ibrahim further called on the creative industry, including filmmakers, musicians, broadcasters, content creators, and social media influencers, to leverage their platforms to challenge harmful norms and inspire behavioural change.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting survivors through access to justice, healthcare, and psychosocial services, and advocated for increased investment in shelters, sexual assault referral centres, legal aid, research, and institutional coordination.
“Preventing violence must remain central to protecting women, children, and other vulnerable populations from abuse and exploitation,” she asserted.
She urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, report cases of abuse and trafficking, and stand with survivors in building safer communities free from violence, founded on peace, justice, and inclusion.
