Stories from UNODC Nigeria

Promoting Accountability for Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Nigeria - International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Saturday 25 th November 2023 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and the start of sixteen days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.

 

This moment provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in tackling the global scourge of violence against women and girls in all its forms, as well as a call to action to redouble international efforts to eradicate such crimes.

 

As one of the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violations, gender-based violence encompasses physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering, and can often have a life-long impact on survivors.

 

In the context of terrorism, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is frequently used as a tactic by terrorist groups to target women and girls[Read More]

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More women and girls killed in 2022 even as overall homicide numbers fall, says new research from UNODC and UN Women

Abuja, 22 November 2023: Nearly 89,000 women and girls were killed intentionally in 2022 across the globe, says a new research brief, Gender-Related Killings of Women and Girls (Femicide/Feminicide ), from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women.

The figure represents the highest yearly number recorded in the past two decades. Data currently available for 2022 suggests that the increase in female homicides occurred despite a drop in the overall number of homicides.

55 per cent (48,800) of all female homicides are committed by family members or intimate partners, underscoring the disturbing reality that home is far from a safe haven for women and girls. [Read More]

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Positive change, one block at a time: Inspector Zarami’s story

A group of men stand around a shallow hole in front of a line of cinderblocks, learning the vocational skill of masonry.

"I used to be caught in the routine of simply caring for inmates' welfare within the prison walls," says Inspector Babagana Zarami, an officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). "Little did I know that a remarkable journey awaited me when I was selected for a life-changing opportunity."

Inspector Zarami works in the Maiduguri Maximum Custodial Centre in the north-east part of the country. Over the past decade, Nigeria has been grappling with the threat of terrorism and violent extremism from groups such as Boko Haram, most active in north-eastern Nigeria. As a result, many people have been detained and prosecuted for terrorism and violent extremism-related crimes. [Read More]

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