The federal government has called for a stronger approach to ending conflict-related sexual violence, urging stakeholders to strengthen prevention, protection and accountability measures to safeguard vulnerable populations across affected communities nationwide.

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made the call in a statement marking the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict globally, on Saturday in Abuja.

She said conflict-related sexual violence remained one of the gravest consequences of insecurity, terrorism, violent extremism and armed conflict, with far-reaching implications for peace, stability and national development efforts.

According to her, the crimes inflict lasting physical, emotional and psychological harm on survivors, while weakening families, destabilising communities and creating obstacles to recovery, reconciliation and social cohesion.

Mrs Sulaiman-Ibrahim said women and girls bore the greatest burden of conflict-related sexual violence, although men and boys were also affected, often facing stigma and challenges in accessing support.

She described sexual violence in conflict as a threat to national security, social cohesion and sustainable development, stressing the need for coordinated interventions to address the growing menace effectively.

The minister called on security agencies, judicial institutions, schools, healthcare providers and social welfare services to strengthen collaboration and improve preventive and response mechanisms against the menace nationwide.

She also urged traditional and religious leaders to support efforts aimed at preventing violence, protecting vulnerable groups, and promoting values that encourage peace, dignity, and mutual respect everywhere.

Mrs Sulaiman-Ibrahim called on community organisations and development partners to deepen awareness campaigns, strengthen prevention efforts and expand survivor-support initiatives aimed at addressing conflict-related sexual violence nationwide.

She appealed to parents and caregivers to promote the values of respect, empathy, and peaceful coexistence within families and communities, describing such efforts as essential to preventing violence.

According to her, strong families remain the first line of defence against violence, abuse, exploitation and radicalisation, helping to nurture responsible citizens and strengthen social stability nationwide.

The minister urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report cases of abuse, trafficking, exploitation and other forms of violence, emphasising the importance of community participation in prevention efforts.

She also called on the creative industry to use its influence to challenge harmful norms, promote positive social values and encourage attitudes that rejected violence and discrimination.

Mrs Sulaiman-Ibrahim said filmmakers, musicians, broadcasters, content creators and social media influencers could help shape attitudes, raise awareness and inspire behavioural change across communities throughout the country.

She reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting survivors through access to justice, healthcare, and psychosocial services aimed at promoting recovery, healing, and the restoration of dignity.

The minister also advocated increased investment in shelters, sexual assault referral centres, legal aid services, research initiatives and institutional coordination mechanisms to strengthen survivor protection nationwide.

She said preventing violence must remain central to national efforts to protect women, children and other vulnerable populations from abuse, exploitation and conflict-related harm across Nigeria.

The minister urged Nigerians to stand with survivors and work collectively to build safer communities free from violence and exploitation, while promoting peace, justice and inclusion for all.

(NAN)