In a move that has sparked widespread concern, the Nigerian Senate has recently initiated steps to repeal the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), a landmark legislation that has been instrumental in addressing gender-based violence and other forms of abuse in Nigeria. This development is not only disturbing but also raises serious questions about the country’s commitment to protecting the rights of its most vulnerable citizens, particularly women and children.
If you are not familiar with the significance of the VAPP Act, I will explain it in simpler terms.
The VAPP Act, enacted in 2015, was a major milestone in Nigeria’s legal landscape. It was designed to address various forms of violence, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as harmful traditional practices like female genital mutilation and forced marriages. The Act also provided for the protection of victims and the prosecution of offenders, offering a legal framework aimed at curbing the pervasive culture of impunity surrounding gender-based violence in the country.
The importance of the VAPP Act cannot be overstated. It responded to the urgent need for comprehensive legislation to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable. The Act is particularly notable for its broad definition of violence, which encompassed not only physical harm but also psychological and economic abuse. This holistic approach made it a crucial tool in the fight against gender-based violence, offering a glimmer of hope to countless victims across the country.
The Senate’s Move: A Highly Regressive Step
The Senate’s move to repeal the VAPP Act has been met with alarm by human rights advocates, civil society organisations, and the general public. This is a regressive step that could undermine years of progress in the fight against gender-based violence. The reasons behind this move are still unclear, but it is certain to take us back to a time when marginalised people in Nigeria were unprotected.
Repealing the VAPP Act would have devastating consequences, weakening legal protections for victims and sending a dangerous message about the government’s commitment to human rights. This could embolden perpetrators of violence and create an environment where victims feel even more powerless and unsupported.
In light of the Senate’s move, advocacy efforts must be intensified to prevent the repeal, push for amendments, and ensure full implementation of the Act across all states in Nigeria. Public awareness campaigns, legal challenges, and diplomatic pressure should be employed to ensure that the rights of victims of gender-based violence are not sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.
The fight against gender-based violence in Nigeria has been long and arduous, but the enactment of the VAPP Act represented a significant victory. Allowing its repeal would represent a tragic setback. Now, more than ever, it is essential to stand firm in protecting the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, particularly the most vulnerable among us.
The Nigerian Senate must reconsider this move and prioritise the safety and well-being of its citizens over any other interests. The VAPP Act must not only be preserved but also be strengthened to ensure that every Nigerian can live free from the fear of violence and abuse.
Gertrude Undie for WHER Nigeria