In an effort to enhance access to justice and support survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) during emergencies, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has conducted specialized training for 25 police officers in Adamawa.
During the three-day training, which commenced on Wednesday in Yola, the Fund’s Country Representative, Ulla Mueller, emphasized the significance of capacity building initiatives in assisting the government to deliver justice to GBV survivors.
Mueller, represented by Mr. Christiana Macauley, UNFPA’s Humanitarian Coordinator, highlighted the crucial role of the police as key actors in ensuring access to justice and safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls.
She said “The training is to build the capacity of police on how to provide survivors centered GBV services in the process of taking statements, collecting evidence, and dealing with perpetrators.
“This is in line with UNFPA efforts to strengthen access to justice for survivors in Nigeria, especially in conflict-affected states.
“Though we have established a forensic laboratory to help in the collection of forensic evidence for trial of GBV cases, we believe that is not enough; and that is why we organized this training.”
Brenda Ifeanyichiku, the Coordinator of Call to Action, announced that the training will extend to Borno, Yobe, and other conflict-affected states.
During her address, Ifeanyichiku urged participants to actively engage in successful service delivery at their respective stations. The training aims to enhance knowledge and comprehension of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), promote a survivor-centered approach, equip the police with practical skills and tools, and foster inter-agency coordination.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa expressed his appreciation to UNFPA for organizing the training and encouraged participants to actively address the challenge of GBV in the state. Fintiri, represented by the Adamawa Solicitor General, Mr. Samuel Yaumande, emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including the police, lawyers, and medical doctors, to eradicate GBV in the state.
Mr. Babatola Afolabi, the Commissioner of Police, represented by DCP Jonathan Modi, also conveyed gratitude to UNFPA for the training and assured that the police are prepared to address GBV perpetrators. He encouraged the public to report GBV cases to the police and relevant authorities for justice to prevail.
ASP Asabe Haruna, a participant, described the training as timely due to the increasing cases of GBV in the state and the low rate of conviction. She believes the training will significantly contribute to overcoming the challenges encountered in investigating and convicting suspects.
