The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has urged Bauchi State to strengthen access to justice for survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), stressing that effective response depends on the commitment of key institutions to empower frontline service providers.
Speaking at a two-day training organised in collaboration with the Bauchi State Ministry of Justice, UNFPA State Programme Officer, Deborah Tabara, said survivors’ access to justice rests largely on the capacity and dedication of ministries, law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary.
She commended Bauchi for setting a benchmark in GBV response, noting the strong collaboration among stakeholders. “Bauchi stands out in terms of GBV response. The level of collaboration here is setting a benchmark for others,” she said.
The training brought together Police Investigative Officers (IPOs), prosecutors, judicial officers, and civil society organisations from all 20 local government areas of the state, with a focus on strengthening response mechanisms and safeguarding survivors’ rights.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Yusuf Adamu, explained that the selection of participants was strategic, as they play critical roles in securing justice for survivors and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.
