The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has said that it is working towards entrenching a sexual harassment policy to comprehensively address cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria.
The Director Women and Children Department of the Commission, Mrs. Ngozi Okorie stated this when the NHRC received National Coalition of Civil Society (CSO) to End Child Marriage in Nigeria.
Receiving the group on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, the Director observed when the proposed policy is in place, it will support existing legislations like Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 as well as tackle the issue of child marriage head on.
According to the Director, child marriage affects child's rights, the consequences cannot be overemphasized and in some cases the victims are exposed to health challenges such as Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), as they are not matured physiologically and biologically.
She noted that child marriage marriage predisposes some of the girls to extended adolescent syndrome, thereby making it difficult for victims to have a smooth marital relationship with their husbands.
In her remarks, the Deputy Director Legal Services and Enforcement Department, Mrs. Pwadumdi Oko advised the team to consider bringing up a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) so as to specify possible areas of Coalition's partnership with the NHRC.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Olorunfemi Olusegun said the visit was aimed at seeking partnership with the NHRC in the fight to protect the rights and future of the Nigerian girl-child.
He stated that child marriage is a human rights crisis that deprives girls of education, health, and the opportunity to realize their full potential.
