Headlines
UNICEF expresses concern over high rate of female genital mutilation in Nigeria
By Derrick Bangura
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern that female genital mutilation (FGM) is on the rise in Nigeria, which is now ranked third in the world.
While warning that female genital mutilation is on the rise among Nigerian girls aged 0-14, UNICEF issued a press release on International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2022, revealing that rates have risen from 16.9% in 2013 to 19.2% in 2018, a “worrying trend,” according to UNICEF.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is still prevalent in Nigeria, according to UNICEF, with an estimated 19.9 million survivors and Nigeria accounting for the third highest number of women and girls who have had FGM worldwide.
“While the nationwide prevalence of FGM among Nigerian women aged 15-49 declined from 25% in 2013 to 20% in 2018, prevalence among girls aged 0-14 increased from 16.9% to 19.2% in the same period, according to NDHS estimates,” the UN agency said.
“An estimated 86 percent of girls had their hair cut before the age of 5, while 8% had their hair chopped between the ages of 5 and 14.”As the world observes today’s International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, UNICEF estimates that 68 million girls worldwide would be at danger of female genital mutilation between 2015 and 2030.” COVID-19 is closing schools and disrupting programs that help protect girls from this destructive practice, which could result in an additional 2 million cases of FGM over the next decade.”Millions of girls are being robbed of their childhoods, health, education, and aspirations every day by harmful practices such as FGM,” said UNICEF Representative in Nigeria Peter Hawkins in the release, adding that “the practice of FGM not only has no health benefits – it is deeply harmful to girls and women, both physically and psychologically.” It is a practice that no longer has a place in our society and must be abolished, as many Nigerian communities have already pledged.”
It was acknowledged that there are differences in practice across Nigeria. The incidence varies by state, ranging from 62% in Imo to less than 1% in Adamawa and Gombe. The South East has the highest prevalence of FGM. “The Movement for Good” will reach 5 million adolescent girls and boys, women – including pregnant and lactating mothers – men, grandparents, traditional, community and religious leaders, legislators, justice sector actors, and state officials through an online pledge to “say no” to FGM, according to the statement. The movement will mobilize affected communities for household-level action to protect girls who are at risk of FGM. It will address misconceptions about female genital mutilation (FGM) and the discriminatory reasons for its prevalence, as well as shatter the silence around the practice in collaboration with communities.
Internationally, female genital mutilation (FGM) is considered a violation of girls’ and women’s human rights. It is an extreme kind of discrimination against girls and women, and it represents deep-seated gender inequality. It is almost always done on minors, and it is a violation of their rights. In cases where the surgery results in death, it also violates a person’s right to health, security, and physical integrity; the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment; and the right to life. Internationally, female genital mutilation (FGM) is considered a violation of girls’ and women’s human rights. It is an extreme kind of discrimination against girls and women, and it represents deep-seated gender inequality. It is almost always done on minors, and it is a violation of their rights. In cases where the surgery results in death, it also violates a person’s right to health, security, and physical integrity; the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment; and the right to life.
“The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation reminds us that we are not alone in this fight, and that we must step up our efforts – particularly with families and communities – to make Nigeria a safe place for girls and women. “Our goal is to make Nigeria a safe place for girls and women, free of FGM,” Peter Hawkins stated.
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Crime
NAPTIP urges stiffer penalties for rape
Hajiya Binta Bello, Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has called for stricter penalties for rape to serve as a deterrent.
Bello made this demand during the close-out event of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law implementation in Cross River on Monday, organised by Stand to End Rape.
Represented by Mr Jacob Oba, Head of Operations, NAPTIP, Cross River Command, Bello emphasised that rape was a heinous crime against humanity.
She advocated for collective efforts to eradicate it through timely reporting, assisting survivors, providing legal services, and awareness campaigns to reduce stigmatisation.
Bello appealed for a united front against rape, reaffirming NAPTIP’s commitment to combating VAPP Act violators, including human traffickers.
On her part, Dr Mercy Kwabe, Co-director of Stand to End Rape Initiative, acknowledged Nigeria’s progress in promoting equal rights through the VAPP Act.
However, she highlighted the need for better public understanding of the law, particularly in local languages.
Kwabe stressed the importance of amending the VAPP Act to incorporate harsher penalties for perpetrators, rather than repealing it.
Similarly, Ms Ann Awa, Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Cross River Chapter, echoed the need for full implementation of the VAPP Act across states.
She suggested fine-tuning contentious sections rather than abolishing the law.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in partnership with agencies like the National Orientation Agencies (NOA), Stand to End Rape Initiative conducted VAPP Act sensitisation in Ikot Awatim community, encouraging residents to report suspected cases.
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