Umuahia, Nigeria – June 19, 2025
As the world commemorates the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, the Chief Whip of the Abia State House of Assembly and representative of Umuahia South State Constituency, Hon. Emeka Obioma, has joined global voices in condemning the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and conflict.
He called for justice, protection, and comprehensive support for victims, particularly women and children who continue to suffer in silence in conflict-affected regions.
Speaking to journalists in Umuahia on thursday, Hon. Obioma emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the plight of survivors and ensuring their voices are heard in legislative and policy circles.
“Sexual violence in conflict is not just a side effect of war, it is a deliberate weapon used to terrorize, humiliate, and destroy communities,” he said. “We cannot remain silent when innocent women, girls, and even men are subjected to such unspeakable acts. Their pain must lead to action.”
He decried the culture of impunity that often shields perpetrators of conflict-related sexual violence, stressing the need for stronger legal mechanisms to investigate and prosecute such crimes.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Hon. Obioma stated.
“We must create systems that swiftly bring perpetrators to book, regardless of their status or position. Justice is the foundation of healing and reconciliation in any post-conflict society.”
The lawmaker also called for Nigeria to strengthen its legal frameworks and domestic response mechanisms in line with international conventions, including the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which addresses women, peace, and security.
“While this is a global issue, we must localize our solutions,” Obioma continued. “Nigeria must invest in survivor-centered support services, including medical care, psychosocial support, and legal aid for those affected by sexual violence, especially in our internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and post-conflict zones.”
Hon. Obioma used the occasion to reaffirm his commitment to gender equity and human dignity, pledging to collaborate with his colleagues in the Abia State House of Assembly to introduce or support laws that protect vulnerable populations and hold violators accountable.
“Let this day remind us that silence is complicity. We must become champions for the voiceless. I stand with every survivor and echo their cry for justice and dignity,” he concluded.
The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, observed every June 19, was established by the United Nations to raise awareness about the need to end such violence, honor victims and survivors, and pay tribute to those who have courageously devoted their lives to fighting these crimes.
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