The CLEEN Foundation has called for stronger institutional capacity and accountability to address gaps in the implementation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law in Plateau.

The Executive Director of the foundation, Peter Maduoma, made the call on Tuesday in Jos at a two-day state-level policy dialogue on bridging gaps in the implementation of the VAPP Law.

Mr Maduoma, represented by a Senior Programme Officer of the foundation, Nnamdi Odo, said the existence of legal frameworks alone did not guarantee justice, protection, medical care or psychosocial support for survivors of violence.

He identified limited access to information on statutory provisions, inadequate technical capacity and institutional inertia among frontline duty-bearers as major obstacles to effective implementation of the law.

According to him, serious offences, including sexual and gender-based violence, domestic violence and harmful traditional practices, are sometimes subjected to informal settlements, undermining legal protections for survivors.

He emphasised the need for stronger institutional ownership, inter-agency collaboration and sustained accountability among law enforcement agencies, judicial officers, health workers, civil society organisations and traditional leaders.

Mr Maduoma commended the Royal Norwegian Embassy, development partners, institutional stakeholders and participating civil society organisations for supporting justice sector reforms and human rights protection.

He urged participants to engage constructively and develop practical strategies to strengthen the implementation of the law.

Similarly, Nanbilip Bakyil, representing the Plateau State Ministry of Justice, identified delays in taking survivors of rape to hospitals and the tendency of families to pursue out-of-court settlements as major challenges to effective justice.

Ms Bakyil said some victims were taken to hospitals several days after the alleged incidents, making it difficult to obtain time-sensitive forensic evidence, including semen samples, that could assist investigations.

She said fear and stigma often influenced families to seek settlements outside the formal justice system, potentially shielding perpetrators from accountability.

Ms Bakyil also called for increased awareness among traditional rulers about the provisions of the VAPP Law and their responsibilities in preventing violence and protecting survivors.

The dialogue brought together stakeholders from the Ministry of Justice, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, traditional and religious councils, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and civil society organisations.

The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act was enacted in 2015 to prohibit various forms of violence and provide protection for victims, while several states have adopted corresponding laws. 

(NAN)