In a move to combat the alarming rise of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Benue state, the Justice and Security for Peace Initiative (JASPI), in partnership with UNICEF Friday, convened a strategic planning session aimed at addressing abuse and exploitation in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
Blueprint reports that the event brought together representatives from key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), law enforcement, civil society organisations, and humanitarian actors.
The focus is to develop actionable frameworks for the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse.
Speaking at the occasion, Executive Director of JASPI, Mrs. Patricia Suswam, described the meeting as a call for action.
“This is not just a meeting, it’s a call to action,” Mrs. Suswam, noted .
“The situation in some IDP camps is deeply troubling. Vulnerable children, even as young as two years old, are being subjected to unimaginable abuse. We cannot allow this to continue,” she added.
She said participants are expected to contribute to a position paper outlining policy recommendations and implementation strategies for the state government to act accordingly.
Victor Atuchukwu, Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF’s Enugu Field Office, while speaking at the occasion emphasised the urgency of the initiative.
“Sexual exploitation and abuse are most prevalent in IDP camps, where vulnerable populations often interact with service providers under unequal power dynamics.
“This engagement is about system strengthening. We’re working together to ensure that SGBV, violence against children, and sexual exploitation and abuse find no room in Benue State,” he said.
Also speaking on behalf of the Commissioner Ministry Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Theresa Odache Ikwe, the Director of Women Affairs, Magdalene Andor, expressed deep appreciation for the collaborative efforts that have empowered civil society organisations (CSOs), government agencies, and other stakeholders to better respond to cases of sexual exploitation and harassment.
“This programme is timely. The Ministry is charged with the welfare of children, women, and girls, but we cannot do it alone. With partners like UNICEF and JASPI, we are going a long way in delivering our mandate.”
