The UN has called for investments in data collection, evidence gathering and legal support services to ensure speedy access to justice for Nigeria’s survivors and victims of gender-based violence (GBV).

Mathias Schmale, UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, made the call at the Orange ceremony and lighting of the UN building to commemorate the 16 days of activism against GBV in Abuja on Tuesday.

“We need large-scale investments in data collection, evidence gathering, and provision of legal support services to ensure access to justice is quick and unhindered. Perpetrators of violence need to be reliably prosecuted,” said Mr Schmale. “We must also pool resources to protect women and girls in humanitarian settings, including those affected by the recent catastrophic flooding.”

According to him, the lighting of the UN House was to show solidarity with the victims of GBV and that the orange signifies the UN’s commitment to a brighter future free of violence against women and girls.

The UN official also stressed the need to increase women’s participation in politics and ensure their protection against violence and discrimination in the upcoming 2023 elections.

Beatrice Eyong, UN Women representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said support in designing and implementing strategies and result-oriented programmes towards ending GBV should be year-round.

“We must sustain the momentum for a brighter future where men and women, girls and boys enjoy equal rights, devoid of discrimination and all forms of violence,” stated Ms Eyong.

(NAN)