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Fri, Mar

FG Inaugurates Sexual Offenders' Register,

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The Federal Government has on Monday inaugurated the Nigeria Sexual Offender Register, which will contain names, pictures and other details of persons convicted of sexual abuses.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) unveiled the register in Abuja in partnership with the Nigeria Police and the European Union (EU) and other partners.

 

Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who was represented at the event by the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr Dayo Apata, urged Nigerians to report cases of sexual harassments and abuses to the police for prompt action.

 

In a statement, the VP said, “Although times and contexts may differ, women and girls all the world experience rape and sexual violence abuse but only a small percentage of these get reported because when women come forward, they are still called liars, troublemakers and their names are blacklisted. This is why the exact number of sexual abuse victims is difficult to confirm.

 

“While we must ensure that abusers are identified and punished, the greater part of the effort should go into ensuring that we prevent the abuse from happening in the first place by proactively identifying the risk factors. With the assistance of strategic partners like the European Union and the British Council, the Presidency in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has been supporting the establishment of sexual and gender-based violence response team to ensure the effective coordination of responses in Nigeria.

 

“There are steps that we all must take to avoid all forms of abuse which include challenging degrading references to women, opposing the culture of blaming victims and if you witness a sexual assault, call the police.”

 

Speaking, NAPTIP Director-General, Julie Okah-Donli said persons arrested on rape charges would be registered, adding that the 'name-shame policy' will dissuade people from committing sexual offences.

 

“The name-and-shame policy that is attached to this register will deter many people from this offence. For those that are convicted, their full particulars will be on the register; while those who are arrested or charged would also have a place in a section of the register. I expect that employers of labour will go through the register to ensure the kind of people they employ.

 

“The register will be made public and open to everyone but there is a restricted place for those who were not convicted but were reported or with cases in court, which can be accessed by paying an administrative fee,” the DG said.

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