A non-governmental organisation, CLEEN Foundation, has called for a practical action plan to address gaps in implementing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law in Kaduna state.

The foundation made the call on Wednesday at a two-day state-level policy dialogue on strengthening institutional capacity, compliance and accountability in implementing the law.

The dialogue was organised by the foundation with support from the Norwegian Government through the Norwegian Royal Embassy in Abuja.

The dialogue brought together government officials, security agencies, judicial authorities, civil society organisations, religious leaders and other stakeholders to identify practical solutions to implementation challenges.

In his welcome remarks, CLEEN Foundation Executive Director, Peter Maduoma, represented by the Senior Finance and Administration Manager, Justina Johnson, said the existence of a law did not automatically guarantee justice.

Mr Maduoma said the effectiveness of the VAPP Law should be measured by whether survivors could safely report violence and receive timely protection, justice and support.

He said survivors of sexual violence should be able to report cases without intimidation, stigma or victim-blaming, while children exposed to abuse should have access to appropriate protection.

The executive director identified limited public awareness, weak institutional coordination, inadequate investigation and prosecution, insufficient survivor-centred services and resource constraints as challenges requiring attention.

He also expressed concern over social pressures that discouraged reporting or encouraged informal settlements in cases requiring legal accountability and survivor protection.

Mr Maduoma urged participants to examine implementation challenges in Kaduna, identify weaknesses in institutional processes and recommend feasible reforms.

He acknowledged the support of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, saying its partnership had created opportunities for policy engagement, institutional strengthening and practical action.

Speaking at the dialogue, CLEEN Foundation Programme Director, Dr Salaudeen Hasheem, described the VAPP Law as a significant legislative framework for addressing different forms of violence.

Mr Hasheem said the law expanded legal protection beyond conventional definitions of rape and physical abuse to cover other violations, including economic and psychological violence.

He stressed that citizens needed greater awareness of the law and the available mechanisms for seeking protection and redress.

Citing findings presented at the meeting, Hasheem said 17.9 per cent of residents in Kaduna State had never heard of the VAPP Law.

He also cited a study indicating that about 38 per cent of women aged 14 to 49 had experienced physical or sexual violence.

Mr Hasheem said the findings highlighted the need for stronger public sensitisation and more effective institutional responses to violence.

He called for collaboration between the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and relevant stakeholders to improve grassroots awareness of the law and reporting channels.

The programme director also urged the state’s technical working group to strengthen stakeholder participation and develop strategic policy recommendations for improving implementation.

He emphasised the need to examine the accessibility and effectiveness of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), shelters and other survivor-support services.

Mr Hasheem further called for improved case-tracking systems, updated records and accessible information to help survivors locate appropriate services.

He expressed concern over reports of sexual exploitation by some religious leaders against people who approached them for counselling, spiritual guidance or other forms of assistance.

He urged relevant interreligious bodies and state authorities to examine such cases and strengthen safeguards for vulnerable people seeking help from worship centres.

Mr Hasheem said religious institutions should provide safe environments for people seeking support rather than expose them to further abuse.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Dr Rabi Salisu, represented by her Senior Special Assistant, Maryam Muazu, reaffirmed the Kaduna State Government’s commitment to strengthening implementation of the law.

The commissioner described the dialogue as timely, particularly in addressing gaps between the law’s provisions and their practical application.

She said effective implementation required coordinated action by government ministries, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, healthcare providers, civil society organisations, development partners, traditional institutions and religious leaders.

The commissioner emphasised a survivor-centred approach that prioritised safety, dignity, confidentiality and wellbeing, alongside access to medical care, psychosocial support and legal assistance.

She highlighted the importance of the state’s Sexual Assault Referral Centres and welcomed budgetary provisions intended to support implementation of the law.

The commissioner urged stakeholders to establish clear institutional responsibilities, strengthen professional capacity and address negligence and misconduct through appropriate accountability mechanisms.

She called for a practical state action plan covering capacity development, institutional compliance, enforcement protocols, public awareness, sustainable financing, interagency collaboration, monitoring and evaluation.

According to her, the plan should specify institutional responsibilities, implementation timelines, required resources and measurable indicators for tracking progress.

She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment, under Governor Uba Sani, to partnerships that promote the rights and dignity of women, children and other vulnerable groups.

Speaking on behalf of civil society organisations, Prof. Hauwa’u Yusuf acknowledged progress made through the establishment of the family court and the contributions of legal practitioners to VAPP-related prosecutions.

Mr Yusuf also commended the Kaduna Multi-Door Courthouse for its work and praised CLEEN Foundation for supporting efforts to strengthen the state’s criminal justice system.

She expressed hope that the dialogue would help bridge gaps in the implementation and enforcement of the law, particularly within the judiciary.

The Attorney-General of Kaduna State, Dr Suleiman Shuaibu, represented by Kuwot Waje, commended CLEEN Foundation for convening the dialogue.

Mr Shuaibu said the engagement would help improve awareness of the law and strengthen the institutional structures required for its implementation.

Representing the National Orientation Agency in Kaduna State, Esther Kalau reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to using its grassroots presence to promote awareness of the VAPP Law.

The dialogue is expected to produce actionable recommendations to strengthen institutional compliance, improve enforcement and expand access to protection and support services for survivors of violence in Kaduna State.(NAN)