By: AHMAD SULEIMAN, Kano
International Federation of Women Lawyers, (FIDA), Kano State Chapter has advocated for the establishment of special courts on family matters.
The group lamented the delay being witnessed in the trial of cases of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), explaining that the creation of the special court will help the issue of access to justice, for victims
The secretary, FIDA in the state, Kaltumi Mohammed in a chat with newsmen, said similar to the creation of special courts for electoral matters, also, they are advocating for the creation of special family courts to help curb issues of SGBV.
The FIDA scribe speaking at a one-day symposium organized by WHEEL and AIHI to mark 2022 International Women’s Day held at 10 to 10 Restaurant, said to further fight SGBV, the penal code laws should be amended to accommodate such offences
Kaltumi stated that the domestication of the child rights act in the state is long overdue, appealing to the state lawmakers and the executive arm of government to expedite action on the domestication of the child rights act.
In her words “we have been advocating for the domestication of the child right act, we are also calling for the setting up of family courts, just like we have the courts for electoral matters.
“We have been calling for an amendment of the penal code laws, for an inclusion of punishment for SGBV offences, if this is achieved, this will help in the fight against these offences
“Presently, the offenders feel noting is been done, if these measures are taken, we will achieve judicious trial of these offenders and knock out all the technicalities hindering the trial of offenders.”
The women lawyers warned security agencies that engage in the resolution of rape cases without recourse to the laid down procedures of the law, to desist or be ready to face the wrath of the law.
Kaltumi further lamented the high level of influx of SGBV cases being reported in the state, noting that all stakeholders should converge to wage legal war against the perpetrating of the act.
