…As Dr. Emukah Bags Caritas Nigeria Award
Imo State Gender – Based Technical Working Committee has appealed to the state government for the creation of special courts for sexual offences and domestic violence cases in the three geopolitical zones of the state, Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe.
Dr Chioma Emukah, an Assistant Director in the Ministry of Justice and Member of the Committee, while delivering her lecture during the 2024 Human Rights Day celebration organized by the National Human Rights Commission, Imo State at the Commission’s office at Chief Anthony Ojukwu Avenue off Avu Junction, Owerri West Local Government Area, laid emphasis on the importance of having special court for Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases.
Speaking on the topic: “Gender Based Violence Situation In Imo State: Overview of Imo State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law No. 8, 2021”, Dr. Emukah who is the immediate past Chairman of Human Rights Committee of Nigerian Bar Association, Owerri Branch, maintained that the creation of the special courts would help in the speedy dispensation of GBV matters.
She also advocated the establishment of Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Agency, noting that without the agency, implementation of the Imo State VAPP law will be inchoate.
Dr Emukah who is the first lawyer in the State to secure a conviction under the VAPP LAW, explained that the VAPP Law “is an effective framework with ground breaking significance, as it guarantees the protection of the rights of citizens from all forms of violence.”
She also identified awareness of existence of the VAPP law, high level of illiteracy, cultural silence and stigma as some of the challenges to maximize the elimination of Gender Based Violence and implementation of the VAPP law given to the people of Imo State by the gender-friendly Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma through the pragmatic Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Cyprain Akaolisa.
While calling for concerted efforts towards achieving freedom, equality and justice for all, Dr. Emukah specifically thanked the wife of the Governor, Chief Barr Chioma Uzodimma for sponsoring the prosecution of GBV cases and rehabilitation of GBV victims and survivors to ensure they have unfettered access to justice through the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups , Hon. Dr Nkechi Ugwu.
She also commended the Governor’s wife for sponsoring a lot of programs, trainings, campaigns and empowerment of the indigent women financially to ensure the elimination of GBV, Female Genital Mutilation inclusive.
On the Human Rights Day celebration, Dr. Emukah said it underscored the importance of standing against oppression, discrimination, marginalization of voices and inequality.
She said the theme; “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”, focused on how rights of persons could be enforced for better future.
“Knowing our rights now will impact in creating a peaceful, equal and sustainable future”, she added.
She therefore called on citizens to reaffirm commitment to creating a world where individual’s rights are protected.
The highpoint of the occasion was a meritorious award conferred on Dr. Chioma Emukah in recognition of her exceptional contribution in addressing gender based violence and fostering positive change in society.
The award was presented by the Chief Legal Officer, NHRC, Imo State, Barr Ikechukwu Ironali on behalf of Caritas Nigeria.