Concerns Rise Over VAPP Act Repeal
Activists across Nigeria have expressed concerns over the federal government’s move to repeal the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act. Activists warn the decision could reverse progress in addressing gender-based violence and weaken protections for vulnerable groups. The VAPP Act, enacted in 2015, has been vital in combating GBV. Despite challenges, 34 states have already adopted it.
Repeal Proposal Sparks Outrage
The proposal to repeal the VAPP Act, initiated by Senator Jibrin Isah in 2022, passed its second reading in the Senate last month. This development has sparked outrage among activists, who believe that repealing the Act would undo years of advocacy and policy work. Priye Diri, a leader of the Nguvu Collective, warned that the repeal would leave victims of violence exposed and remove crucial protections that have been in place for nearly a decade.
A Call to Amend, Not Repeal
Activists like Diri argue that amending the Act would be a better solution than a complete repeal. According to Diri, the Act has empowered thousands to report cases of GBV and has established necessary support services for survivors. Repealing it, she said, would create dangerous gaps in the legal system that could be exploited, leaving survivors vulnerable.
Gender Rights Advocates Fight Back
Durga Nandini, Co-Founder of Nguvu Collective, echoed these concerns, calling the repeal unnecessary. “Why repeal when you can amend?” she asked, pointing out that Nigeria has made considerable progress in addressing violence against vulnerable people. According to her, repealing the VAPP Act would be a major setback for the country’s democracy and gender rights advocacy.
Petition to Protect the VAPP Act
Priye Diri launched an online petition to persuade lawmakers to amend the Act instead of repealing it entirely. The petition urges Senate Committee Chairman Mohammed Tahir Monguno and Senator Jibrin Isah to reconsider the repeal. Diri highlights the negative consequences of removing the VAPP Act. The petition aims to protect essential protections for vulnerable groups. Diri’s campaign has garnered widespread support from Nigerians concerned about protecting vulnerable individuals.
Safeguarding Progress in Gender Justice
Activists believe that amending the VAPP Act would allow for improvements while preserving the legal protections that have been essential for survivors of GBV. With the legislative process to introduce a new law potentially taking years, activists warn that a repeal could create a dangerous gap in protections, jeopardising the safety and security of women and vulnerable groups across Nigeria.
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