UN applauds FCT’s holistic approach to combating sexual, gender-based violence

The United Nations has commended the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for its comprehensive and collaborative strategy in addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) across Abuja.

The praise came from Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, the UN Special Representative on Violence Against Children, during her visit to the Awyetu Sexual Assault Referral Centre located in Bwari.

Dr. M’jid expressed her satisfaction with the multisectoral coordination observed at the centre, noting that the FCTA’s approach effectively integrates key sectors such as health, justice, social welfare, and community engagement—underscoring that the fight against SGBV is not limited to the Ministry of Women Affairs alone.

She described Nigeria as a committed pathfinder nation in ending violence against children and emphasized the need to turn national commitments into real, lasting services for survivors.

The Awyetu Centre, established in 2020 under the EU-funded ROLAC programme, provides medical, legal, and psychosocial support to victims of sexual violence.