Activists warn against repealing VAPP Act, call for amendment

On International Day of Democracy, activists are speaking out against the proposed repeal of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in Nigeria.

They noted that the Act, which has been in place since 2015, has provided critical protections for women and vulnerable individuals, and its repeal would be a major setback for democracy in the country.

The VAPP Act was landmark legislation that aimed to prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria. It provided a comprehensive legal framework for addressing GBV, including provisions for prevention, protection, and prosecution. The Act also established the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to coordinate efforts to combat human trafficking.

Despite its limitations, the VAPP Act has been instrumental in empowering thousands of women and vulnerable individuals to report GBV cases and seek justice. It has also led to the establishment of essential support services, such as shelters and counselling services, for survivors of GBV.

However, Senator Jibrin Isah has introduced a Bill proposing to repeal the VAPP Act, arguing that the existing law has shortcomings and that a more comprehensive legal framework is needed. The Bill has passed a second reading, making the threat of a complete withdrawal of the Act more pressing.

Activists are concerned that the repeal of the VAPP Act would undo the decades of progress made in addressing GBV in Nigeria. They argue that while the Act has its limitations, it provides a critical legal framework for addressing GBV and that repealing it would leave survivors without necessary protections.

Priye Diri, a leading advocate and change leader with Nguvu Collective, noted that the VAPP Act has been a critical lifeline for women and vulnerable individuals in Nigeria. “It has empowered thousands to report GBV cases, established essential support services, and made tangible progress towards gender justice,” she says. “Repealing the Act would reverse these advancements, leaving survivors without necessary protections and creating exploitable gaps in the legal system.”

Durga Nandini, Co-Founder of Nguvu Collective, asks, “Why repeal when you can amend?” She argues that amending the VAPP Act would allow for changes or improvements to be made while preserving the critical protections and provisions that are already in place.

Activists are urging lawmakers to consider amending the VAPP Act instead of repealing it. They believe that amending the Act would allow for the addressing of its shortcomings while preserving the progress made on addressing GBV in Nigeria.

The petition launched by Priye Diri aims to rally support from individuals of all genders and backgrounds to ensure the continued protection and empowerment of women and vulnerable groups in Nigeria. The petition highlights the need for legislative action that enhances existing protections without dismantling the progress made.

The repeal of the VAPP Act would have serious consequences, including a significant gap in legal protections for victims during the transition period. Activists fear that this would leave survivors vulnerable to further abuse and exploitation.

In addition, the repeal of the VAPP Act would undermine the efforts of activists and advocates who have worked tirelessly to promote gender justice in Nigeria. It would also send a negative message to survivors of GBV, who would be left feeling abandoned and unprotected.

The VAPP Act is not perfect, and there are certain areas that need improvement. However, repealing the Act would be a major setback for democracy in Nigeria. It would undermine the progress made on addressing GBV and leave survivors without necessary protections.

Instead of repealing the Act, lawmakers should consider amending it to address its shortcomings. This would allow for changes or improvements to be made while preserving the critical protections and provisions that are already in place.

As Nigeria celebrates International Day of Democracy, activists are urging lawmakers to prioritise the protection and empowerment of women and vulnerable groups. They are calling for legislative action that enhances existing protections without dismantling the progress made.

The repeal of the VAPP Act would be a major setback for democracy in Nigeria. It would undermine the progress made on addressing GBV and leave survivors without necessary protections. Instead, lawmakers should consider amending the Act to address its shortcomings and preserve the critical protections and provisions that are already in place.

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