UNODC Declares Gender-Based Violence An Epidemic, Calls For Urgent Action in Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria – The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has issued a stark warning, declaring gender-based violence (GBV) a global epidemic requiring immediate action.

The agency highlighted the staggering statistic of over one million GBV-related crimes recorded in 2022 and 2023, representing 20% of all police-reported crimes.

Speaking at the launch of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign in Nigeria, UNODC Country Representative Cheikh Toure painted a grim picture of the situation.

He emphasised that GBV is a pervasive issue in Nigeria, affecting women and girls across all segments of society, and is frequently underreported due to stigma, fear, and the often domestic nature of the violence.

“Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed,” Toure stated, urging attendees to consider the gravity of the situation.

He stressed that violence against women and girls is the most widespread human rights violation globally, affecting nearly one in three women and girls in their lifetime.

He called for accountability, action, and resources, urging all duty-bearers, particularly states, to take decisive steps to address the issue.

Toure specifically lamented the lack of data on femicide across many African countries, hindering effective interventions.

He highlighted UNODC’s development of Femicide Reviews, which go beyond individual cases to analyze broader societal factors contributing to violence, including the role of healthcare providers and social services.

The event, supported by the MacArthur Foundation and the Government of Denmark, also featured remarks from Rinsola Abiola, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership.

Abiola emphasised that women’s rights are human rights and called for the empowerment of both men and women.

She praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for appointing women to key positions and highlighted Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State as a leader committed to gender equality.

She urged lawmakers to prioritise women’s rights, noting their significant presence in the electorate.

Hon. Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development (represented by Dotun Omoleye, National PRO of Youth Council), underscored the need for sustained action beyond the 16 Days of Activism, advocating for continued support for survivors and preventative measures.

The UNODC’s urgent call to action underscores the critical need for a multi-faceted approach involving governments, civil society, and individuals to combat this widespread and devastating form of violence.

The lack of data and the pervasive underreporting of GBV highlight the significant challenges in tackling this global epidemic.