CLEEN raises alarm over ‘sexual exploitation by religious leaders’

The CLEEN Foundation has raised issues over experiences of sexual exploitation by some spiritual leaders towards individuals who method them for counselling, non secular steerage and different types of help.

The basis known as for stronger safeguards to guard susceptible folks looking for assist from spiritual establishments and urged related interreligious our bodies and authorities authorities to handle the issue.

Its Programme Director, Dr Salaudeen Hasheem, raised the priority at a two-day state-level coverage dialogue on strengthening institutional capability, compliance and accountability within the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law in Kaduna state.

Hasheem stated spiritual establishments ought to present protected environments for folks looking for help reasonably than expose them to additional abuse.

He urged related interreligious our bodies and state authorities to look at reported circumstances of sexual exploitation and strengthen measures to guard susceptible folks.

The dialogue, organised by CLEEN Foundation with help from the Norwegian Government by way of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Abuja, introduced collectively authorities officers, safety businesses, judicial authorities, civil society organisations, spiritual leaders and different stakeholders to debate challenges affecting the implementation of the regulation.

Hasheem described the VAPP Law as an essential authorized framework for addressing completely different types of violence, together with sexual, bodily, psychological and financial abuse.

He harassed the necessity for higher public consciousness of the regulation and the mechanisms obtainable to survivors looking for safety and justice.

Citing findings offered on the assembly, Hasheem stated 17.9 per cent of residents in Kaduna State had by no means heard of the VAPP Law, whereas a research indicated that about 38 per cent of girls aged 14 to 49 had skilled bodily or sexual violence.

He stated the findings underscored the necessity for stronger public sensitisation and simpler institutional responses to violence.

Hasheem known as for collaboration with the National Orientation Agency to enhance grassroots consciousness of the regulation and obtainable reporting channels.

He additionally urged the state’s technical working group to strengthen stakeholder participation and develop sensible coverage suggestions to enhance implementation.

The programme director harassed the necessity to assess the accessibility and effectiveness of Sexual Assault Referral Centres, shelters and different survivor-support providers.

He additional known as for improved case-tracking methods and up to date data to assist survivors establish and entry applicable providers.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Dr Rabi Salisu, represented by her Senior Special Assistant, Maryam Muazu, reaffirmed the Kaduna State Government’s dedication to strengthening implementation of the VAPP Law.

The commissioner stated efficient enforcement required coordinated motion by authorities businesses, safety organisations, the judiciary, healthcare suppliers, civil society teams, conventional establishments and spiritual leaders.

She emphasised the necessity for a survivor-centred method that prioritises security, dignity, confidentiality and entry to medical care, psychosocial help and authorized help.

She additionally known as for a sensible state motion plan with clear institutional duties, implementation timelines, sustainable funding and measurable indicators to observe progress.

The Attorney-General of Kaduna State, Dr Suleiman Shuaibu, represented by Kuwot Waje, counseled CLEEN Foundation for convening the dialogue, saying the engagement would assist enhance consciousness and strengthen institutional buildings for implementing the regulation.

Representing the National Orientation Agency in Kaduna State, Esther Kalau reaffirmed the company’s dedication to utilizing its grassroots presence to advertise consciousness of the VAPP Law.