UNFPA lauds Ebonyi Govt. on VAPP Law

UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has described the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law
in Ebonyi as “innovative instrument” in checkmating the menace of violence and abuses on persons in the society.

Marija Rakovic, Cross River UNFPA Humanitarian Coordinator and Head of Office, made the remarks on Thursday in Abakaliki
at the end of a two-day training on VAPP Law implementation in the state.

The training was organised by Family Succour and Upliftement Foundation, a pet project of the state Governor’s Wife, Mrs Rachael
Umahi, in collaboration with UNFPA.

Rakovic, who was represented by Mr Benedict Essong, the UNFPA Representative in Ebonyi, said that the law was adopted
in 2018 by the foundation to fight all forms of violence against persons.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the law forbids violence against persons, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and
protects women against all manners of violence, including wife battering.

Rakovic said it was the institutional framework to deal comprehensively with cases of assaults on persons in the society.

“This approach involves the criminal justice system, the police, social, functional, skilled services, among other tools.

“UNFPA remains committed to the 2030 development agenda in ensuring zero prevention of maternal deaths, Gender-Based
Violence, while collaborating with relevant stakeholders,” the head of office added.

The Ebonyi Chief Judge, Mr Elvis Ngene, commended the wife of the Governor, Mrs Rachael Umahi on the VAPP Law.

Ngene, who was represented by the Chief Registrar, Ebonyi Customary Court of Appeal, Mrs Nnenna Onuoha, said that
the law is apt in persecuting offenders.

On her part, the governor’s wife said that the VAPP Law is a veritable tool geared toward fighting Gender-Based Violence.

Umahi, represented by Mrs Deborah Okah, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, expressed
concern over implementation of the law.

Mr Francis Nwifuru, the Speaker, Ebonyi State House of Assembly, emphasised the need to pay attention to male folks too,
as they were also victims of GBV.

Nwifuru assured that quick attention would be given to the law for the benefit of mankind.

In their goodwill messages, Mr Christopher Okorie, the Coordinator, Human Rights Commission in the state,
said that the law would be strengthened through necessary budget to make the implementation workable.

NAN reports that the training featured technical sessions for judiciary staff, law enforcement agencies, Human Hights Commission,
Federation of Women Lawyers, Nigeria Bar Association and civil society groups. (NAN)