Crime
UNODC and Partners Support Workshops to Prosecute War Crimes and Sexual Violence in Conflict
UNODC and Partners Support Workshops to Prosecute War Crimes and Sexual Violence in Conflict
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Wayamo Foundation and the United Nations Team of Experts of the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict, conducted two capacity building workshops for Nigerian investigators and prosecutors on the investigation and prosecution of international crimes, with a special focus on conflict-related sexual violence.
The two workshops were conducted under the framework of the recently established project, “Strengthening Nigerian Capacity in the Investigation and Prosecution of International Crimes, with a Special Focus on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” a joint initiative of the three entities.
The project, which aims to increase accountability for acts of sexual violence allegedly committed by all parties to the conflict in Northeast Nigeria, seeks to build the capacity of prosecutors from the Federal Ministry of Justice’s Complex Case Group (CCG) and Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) Prosecution Hub, as well as investigating and prosecuting officers from the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Although conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is not yet specifically recognized as a distinct offence under Nigerian law, the project aims to broaden the collective understanding of acts that amount to CRSV, such as sexual slavery, forced marriage, forced pregnancy, that fall outside more commonly acknowledged forms of sexual violence in Nigeria, such as rape and sexual harassment, captured by the Criminal Code, Penal Code and Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act.
The project also seeks to emphasize the gravity and distinctiveness of CRSV, as a form of sexual violence not committed in isolation, but in the context of widespread armed violence, including by terrorist groups.
The absence of national legislation on CRSV poses a challenge for Nigeria in meeting its international legal obligations to investigate and prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity. In response to this lacuna, the workshop highlighted the importance of legal innovation, both in terms of how the existing law is interpreted and by leveraging some of the new technological tools that have become available.
Participants explored new ways to utilize the existing offences enshrined in the TPPA to charge acts of CRSV. While in the technological context, the Digital Programme Team at Wayamo briefed the participants on the new digital evidence management tool that Wayamo, in collaboration with UNODC, has introduced to the Joint Investigation Centre (JIC) in Maiduguri and the CCG in Abuja.
READ ALSO: https://dailypost.ng/2022/10/12/19-iswap-terrorists-killed-as-troops-repel-boko-haram-attack-in-gamboru/
The workshop also provided an opportunity for participants to discuss ways to strengthen inter-agency collaboration between CCG prosecutors and JIC investigators to ensure a joint and cohesive approach to screening, interviewing, evidence recovery, case file preparation, and charging offences.
Underscoring inter-agency collaboration in the period leading up to the UN’s annual 16 Days of Activism on Gender Based Violence which run from 25th November to 10th December is particularly timely and aligns with this year’s global theme: “UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls”.
Sexual violence in conflict has historically been under reported and under prosecuted, Nigeria must be congratulated in taking important steps to ensure that the individuals responsible for this most insidious terrorist tactic are held to account.
This activity supports the implementation of UNODC’s Strategic Vision for Nigeria in particular as concerns protecting women and children from sexual and gender based violence and exploitation.
UNODC and Partners Support Workshops to Prosecute War Crimes and Sexual Violence in Conflict
One killed, another injured in Fulani Bandits attack as troops arrest suspect in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6 of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a suspect following an attack by Fulani Bandits on Rinyan Community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau that left one person dead and another injured.
Security sources said the troops responded at about 4:00 p.m. on Saturday after receiving reports of an attack by suspected armed Fulani militia on the community.
According to the sources, on arrival at the scene, the troops found one person dead, while another victim had sustained gunshot wounds.
The injured victim was evacuated to the General Hospital in Riyom for medical treatment.
The sources said the troops immediately pursued the fleeing assailants but did not establish contact with them.
However, one suspect was arrested during the operation and is currently in custody undergoing interrogation as investigations continue.
The military has maintained intensified operations across Plateau to curb attacks and apprehend those responsible for violent crimes in the state.
One killed, another injured in Fulani Bandits attack as troops arrest suspect in Plateau
Troops Repel Terrorist Attack on Forward Operating Base in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Combat Team 5 (CT 5) have repelled a terrorist attack on their Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Moriki, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the terrorists launched the attack at about 1:00 a.m. on Friday, assaulting the base from multiple directions.
The sources said the troops maintained their defensive positions and successfully repelled the attackers after an exchange of gunfire.
During the incident, three civilians sustained gunshot wounds and were immediately evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment.
The sources added that the situation has since been brought under control, while security has been reinforced in the area to prevent further attacks.
Troops Repel Terrorist Attack on Forward Operating Base in Zamfara
Troops Intercept 11 Jerrycans of Suspected Smuggled Fuel in Adamawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intercepted 11 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, suspected to be smuggled to terrorist elements in Maiha Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the seizure was made at about 12:27 p.m. on June 26 by troops of the 247 Reconnaissance Battalion during a strangulation operation along the Maiha–Maiha Gari Road.
The sources said the smugglers abandoned the products and fled on sighting the troops, escaping into nearby bushes before they could be apprehended.
A total of 11 jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit were recovered from the scene.
The recovered petroleum products have been taken into military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Military sources said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation Hadin Kai to disrupt the supply of logistics to terrorist groups operating in the North-East by denying them access to essential commodities, including fuel.
The sources added that troops have continued to sustain intelligence-driven strangulation operations across the theatre to block terrorist supply routes and dismantle their support networks.
Troops Intercept 11 Jerrycans of Suspected Smuggled Fuel in Adamawa
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
One killed, another injured in Fulani Bandits attack as troops arrest suspect in Plateau
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions5 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Politics1 year ago2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift
