Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) – the global civil society organizations (CSOs)’ movement, has called for a New Global Binding United Nations Treaty tagged: “Every Woman Treaty; To End Violence Against Women and Girls Everywhere”.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Nigeria; Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, AHOA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) stated that, the new treat by United Nations will ensure that countries, Governments, CSO leaders, other critical stakeholders promote best practices, protect 100 percent of women’s fundamental human rights; foster women’s protection, safety and security and end menace globally.
Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje made this call today being on Friday, February 3, 2023 in a press statement made available to Journalists in Asaba, Delta State capital as he stated that global crises such as war, climate change, COVID-19 pandemic, and abusive uses of technology are driving a rise in violence against women and girls (VAWG).
GBV/VAWG Global Coordinator noted that, in 2021, Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) undertook a high-level Advocacy to the Federal Government of Nigeria for the endorsement of the EWT; and this contributed to the endorsement of the Treaty by Nigeria’s President His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR during his speech at the 2021 United Nations General Assembly in NY.
You could recall that floods have forced families to flee to camps, where rape and harassment are rampant. Also, Women report feeling unsafe at home due to increase incidents of intimate partner violence as a result of Covid-19, sexual violence in conflict and in the military has skyrocketed.
Recent reports had it that, 73% of the world’s women have been exposed to some form of online violence, making cyber- violence one of the most prevalent forms of violence against women.
According to the statement, in 2021, United Nations’ reports had it that, a significant increase in the number of reported cases of sexual violence. He added that, reports also had it that, one in two women had experienced violence since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje while hinting the reasons for advocating for a New Treaty stated: “The risk of being trafficked can increase by 20 to 30 percent in the aftermath of extreme weather events. The rise in violence begs a single question: Are the needs of women and girls being met under the current international framework? The indisputable answer is no. While the current framework has produced extraordinary advances, it is not enough to outpace the rising tide of violence. More is needed”.
“For 30 years, experts including the Commission on the Status of Women, Special Rapporteurs on violence against women, and frontline advocates have repeatedly called for a global treaty to eliminate violence against women and girls.”
“Today, a treaty remains the most powerful tool available to curb the rise in violence and build a more comprehensive framework that allows women and girls to exercise their full human right to a life free from violence”.
“A new treaty would build on the extraordinary foundation of the current system, working in concert with existing mechanisms, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and regional treaties.”
“While CEDAW is exceptional at addressing discrimination against women, the scope of discrimination and violence against women are both so vast that both treaties are essential to the lives and well-being of women and girls. Are the needs of women and girls being met under the current international framework? The indisputable answer is no”.
