Ensure Zero Incidences of Gender-Based Violence Across Nation's Detention Facilities - National Corrections Service (NCoS)
In a recent public hearing, the Deputy Controller General (DCG) of the Legal Department at the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Ibrahim Idris, addressed allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and gender-based violence (GBV) in custodial centres across Nigeria.
However, concerns about the treatment of women in Nigerian prisons persist. According to the Regy & Henry Amazing Grace Foundation, the organisation is dedicated to promoting the rights and dignity of women and girls, particularly those affected by poverty, violence, and exploitation. The foundation has called for urgent reforms to address the plight of women in custody and tackle gender-related issues across Nigeria.
Women in Nigerian prisons face several challenges, including poor living conditions, inadequate healthcare, and separation from their families. Many are incarcerated for minor offences, and some are victims of circumstance rather than hardened criminals. The NCoS, on the other hand, claims there is no record of GBV in custodial centres across Nigeria.
GBV takes multiple forms, including physical, emotional, and economic abuse, as well as sexual exploitation. Duru, a representative of the Regy & Henry Amazing Grace Foundation, identified GBV as a widespread problem in Nigeria, disproportionately affecting women and girls.
The NCoS is committed to inmate empowerment, especially for women, and provides female inmates with starter packs every quarter to help their reintegration into society. However, Duru stressed that women's health remains a critical concern, particularly in maternal health, reproductive rights, and hygiene.
In response to these concerns, the Regy & Henry Amazing Grace Foundation made four key recommendations, including reforming the prison system to prioritize the rehabilitation and reintegration of women offenders. The recommendations also include implementing policies and programs to prevent and respond to GBV, supporting women's economic empowerment, and strengthening healthcare systems.
Idris, during the hearing, encouraged Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) visiting custodial centres to freely engage with inmates on these issues. He also stated that if there is any proven issue with evidence, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, welcomes such reports and will take immediate action.
The Ministry of Interior had earlier established an Independent Investigative Panel to look into these allegations. The panel's findings and recommendations are eagerly awaited as they could pave the way for significant reforms in the treatment of women in Nigerian prisons.
Meanwhile, the NGO Aldea has demanded reforms regarding the situation of women in Nigerian detention facilities, highlighting severe issues such as overcrowded shelters forcing the return of abused girls to dangerous situations, budget cuts weakening women's rights institutions, and calling for measures aimed at protecting women's rights effectively.
Duru concluded by calling on the Nigerian government, civil society, and individuals to work together to tackle these pressing issues. The future of women's rights in Nigerian prisons depends on collective action and a commitment to upholding the dignity and rights of all women and girls.
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