Adopting the Survivor-centered approach which prioritizes the rights of survivors

Monday, July 6, 2020.

Alliances for Africa (AfA) calls on the Imo State Police Command to adopt the Survivor-centered approach which prioritizes the rights of survivors

Following the escalating incidences of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Imo State, especially sexual violations of minors, there is a need to adopt the Survivor-centered approach when handling cases of violations as it regards women and girls in the State. The need was informed by AfA’s report on human rights violation during COVID-19 and constant engagement with Survivors which accounted for the huge preferential margin between NGOs/CSOs and the police in choice of service providers to report cases of violations. The reports also provided that the paramount reason for their choices are victim-blaming, alternative dispute resolution, ADR, (settling out of court), history of violations of survivors’ rights by corrupt officials and delay in investigations.

Alliances for Africa, AfA, hereby call on the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Isaac Olutayo Akinmoyede to prioritize the rights of Survivors during investigations and prosecution by apprehending and prosecuting corrupt officials who violate survivors, frustrates and delay investigations and also those who encourage ADR in a bid to collect bribes from perpetrators. AfA hereby expressly states that such acts are crimes and should be discouraged in all forms adding that it promotes impunity of perpetrators. Consequently, such actions by security officials who are charged with the mandate of protecting the citizenry, thus promote the culture of silence and subsequent violations by perpetrators. AfA also implores the Commissioner of Police to support ending sexual and Gender-based Violence by assigning special officials at various divisions specifically trained and designated to handle cases of violations affecting women and girls whilst making Survivors rights the utmost priority.

About Alliances for Africa. AfA is an international African-led non-governmental human right, peace and sustainable development organization. AfA works with partners in, around and beyond the continent of Africa.

AfA was created to enhance and reconstruct the interface human right and development, with a vision to contributing innovatively to the task of tackling causes of endemic poverty and exclusion in Africa. AfA works with partners in, around and beyond the continent of Africa to advocate for the protection of human rights; promote women’s participation in leadership and governance; build institutional capacity, advocate for gender justice, equality and non- discrimination, as well as promoting peace, security and conflict resolution interventions.

Address: Plot 75, opposite Rosy Kids Montessori, Area A, World Bank, Owerri, Imo State