Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), in partnership with Global Network of Persons Living With HIV (GNP+), has advocated for end to all forms of violation against women and children living with HIV.
Mr Abdulkadir Ibrahim, National Coordinator, NEPWHAN, expressed the commitment of the network to end all manners of violence against persons living with HIV, especially women and children.
Ibrahim said this at the community dialogue session on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), with the theme; “Advocacy for reduction of violence against women living HIV/AIDS with Disability,” in Abuja on Thursday.
He said that the dialogue session was designed to avail all opportunities to bring solution to the challenges of GBV by availing people with contacts and referrals in event of violence.
He, however, urged government and other stakeholders to collaborate with the network in ending GBV by ensuring that victims get justice.
“We expect government to provide the enabling ground that any child or woman allegedly violated gets justice.
“We want government to show evidence so that we can have trust and confidence that when we take up a right violation issue and then we will get justice,” he said.
The NEPWHAN boss, who lauded relative partners in the fight against GBV, said that it is their primary responsibility to protect their communities.
Mr Chidiebere Ugochukwu, Senior Intelligence Officer, National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP), expressed the preparedness of the agency to support NEPWHAN in ending GBV.
Ugochukwu who reiterated the assurance of the agency in supporting the project, said that it is in line with the mandate of the agency as custodians of violence against persons.
Ms Winifred Atusue, Senior Legal Officer, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), pledged a stronger collaboration of the commission to reduce all forms of violence against women and children living with HIV/AIDS.
Also, Ms Emmanuella Abakpa, Programme Officer, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), called for involvement of all in the fight against GBV, especially targeted at women and children living with HIV/AIDS.