Politics
A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, has called on the Federal Government to declare a State of Emergency on political violence against women, ahead of 2023 general election.
This is contained in a statement co-signed by the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF); ElectHER; DAI; Yiaga Africa and The Albino Foundation (TAF) on Thursday in Abuja.
Others were International Press Centre (IPC); The Kukah Centre; IMS; Civil Society Legislative Advocacy (CISLAC); CAPPA; JDPMC; and SOS Children Village.
The coalition said that the declaration would help to protect women before, during and after the election.
“We urge the presidency to declare the state of emergency as a sign of zero tolerance to any form of violence especially against women and the consequences and actions to be taken against perpetrators
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has documented more than 52 politically motivated attacks in 21 states since the election campaign began on Sept. 28.
“Making the gruesome murder of the Labour Party women leader, Victoria Chintex on Nov. 28, Nigeria’s 53rd politically induced violence ahead of the election.
“With only 87 days to the 2023 general election, the safety of women as critical stakeholders in strengthening and preserving the integrity of the electoral process cannot be over emphasised,” it said.
The group added:“While women have made significant gains in politics in recent years, their involvement has spurred attacks, intimidation, backlash, and harassment both online and offline in many parts of the country.
“We have seen an increase in serious human rights violations, a worrisome surge and aggravated wave of discrimination and political violence weaponised against women during election periods.
“As the civil society community, we are proposing the following measures that the presidency declares a national state of emergency on political violence.
“Send a strong message of zero tolerance against any form of violence and clearly communicate actions that will be taking against perpetrators.”
“A joint task force committee on the safety of women as candidates and electorates, comprised relevant security agencies should be set up within the next two weeks.
“With commitment to release a publicly accessible comprehensive prevention and emergency response action plan on all forms of violence against women in the 2023 general elections”.(NAN)
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Tags: INEC The Albino Foundation YIAGA Africa
