The European Union (EU) has called on the federal and state governments to ensure that survivors of sexual and gender-based violence get justice and care.

The EU urged governments at all levels to give top priority to survivors of SGBV.

The Deputy Ambassador, European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Zissimos Vergos said this in Abuja during the 10th Network Conference of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs).

Vergos said the number of cases of SGBV that are prosecuted is few, compared to the number of survivors.

He charged the government to take ownership of the campaign against SGBV by allocating more funding and ensuring that sexual and gender-based violence at designated institutions has all it requires to address the needs of the people.

He urged Nigeria to work towards tackling the menace of SGBV against women and girls across the country.

Vergos noted that an integrated approach remained the key to a sustainable solution to accelerating progress towards ending violence against women and girls.

He said gender-based violence is not a ‘women’s issue,’ but an issue of society, hence, combating it requires the whole society approach.

He further said while prevention is key to breaking the vicious cycle that perpetuates violence, protection ensures safeguarding and the immediate wellbeing of survivors.

He said: “Speaking openly about gender-based violence still can be a huge risk for survivors.

The EU supports the creation of an environment where women and children are not only encouraged but also empowered to break the silence.

“The EU’s commitment to addressing these issues, promoting gender equality, and strengthening support systems, underscores the determination to ensure that every survivor’s voice is heard and respected.”

Lauding the achievements of the Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) spread across the 22 states of the country, Vergos said:

 “We are all pleased to see so much progress since the launch of the first centre, back in 2013. Today, there are 47 Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) across 22 states in Nigeria, with over 35,500 survivors assisted within this period.”

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim said that the SGBV campaign this year will allow the government, development partners, civil society organisations, and the private sector to accelerate progress towards ending violence against women and girls.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who was represented by the Director, Women Development in the ministry, Mrs. Friya Bulus said: “The campaign this year is to ensure sustained advocacy, raise awareness about gender-based violence, despite previous efforts made, and mobilise more stakeholders to take action against gender-based violence, and to provide support services to gender-based survivors.”

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, represented by the Director, HAGF, Bola Odugbesan explained that the persistence of SGBV in Nigeria remained one of the country’s most stressful challenges requiring not just its attention but concerted action.

He said: “Over the past years, we have made significant strides in our response to SGBV. Let me be clear, these challenges, while significant, are not insurmountable.

“Based on our experiences and recommendations from our frontline staff, we are implementing several strategic interventions.”

The Director, Africa and West Asia Region, International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, Dr. Roba Sharamo said: “It is important to understand that as we try to promote democracy and good governance, we cannot do that in an environment that is hostile to more than half of the African population, which are women. It is, therefore, important that we look at the issues of SGBV.

“SGBV against women is not just a serious human rights issue and justice issue, the increasing number of boys and men who suffer from sexual and gender-based violence does not also diminish the focus on the same.”