Conflict: NGO holds dialogue on access to justice, harmful practices in Northwest
…seeks end to violent extremism
http://www.newsportng.com.ng Global Peace Development (GPD) with support from International Alert, (IA) has reiterated its commitment to end violent extremism in Northwest Nigeria through a dialogue based approach.
This is as the NGOs said that community engagement at the grassroots level remains panacea to win the fight against Sexual and Gender Based Violence, (SGBV) among other levels of violent conflicts in the society.
Giving an overview of the program, “promoting stability, access to justice and accountability in Northwest Nigeria: Facilitate inclusive dialogue on access to justice, SGBV and harmful practices, the Project Officer GPD, Mr. Yusuf Yashioh said that the event aimed to sensitize the people of Kudansa, Maraban-rido in Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna state on the need to sustain peace and access justice, at all times.
Stressing the need on peaceful coexistience amongst members of various communities, Yusuf avered that peace remains the universal cravings of every society and as such GPD deemed it fit to take the campaign to communities like Maraban-rido that has a long history of violent conflict.
He said, “this particular program is covering the five project communities that we started since last year. So we are here today so that we can identify some of the issues affecting them and thereafter, see how we can be able to proffer amelioration to those issues.
“Under Chikun Local Government, we have Maraban-rido Kudansa and Ungwan Juji Community. While in Jema’a LG, we have three communities. We have also trained dialogue facilitators with regard to this project and we hope that they continue to mediate for the sake of lasting peace in their respective communities.”
Earlier, the participants pointed out some of the factors that breed SGBV and other violent conflicts in the society. Some of these according to them includes indecent dressing, poor parental upbringings, lack of access to justice, poverty and the activities of Yahoo boys, to mention but a few.
The participants resolved that parents should double their efforts in ensuring that the activities of their wards are properly checkmated as one of the ways to cushion the menace. The Salama Assaults Referral Centers (SARCs) was also recommended for survivors of SGBV to always take advantage of the free services they render.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the program, one of the participants, Austine Auta said that event was highly enriching, adding that himself and other participants will escalate the message as their own contribution to ensure that lasting peace thrive in the community.
Also, the Chairperson Women Peace Mediation Platform, (WOPEM) Chikun LGA Mrs. Laura Wambai disclosed that the meeting is of great important considering the sensitization programs carried out on daily basis on the need for the sustainability of peace with regard to SGBV.
She further explained that the coming of the NGOs has given women the platform to voice out on several issues affecting them, while noting that prior to the coming of Global Peace Development and International Alert, the women withdrawn their ideas on the ground that they were not given proper attention as they should.
Appreciating the efforts of the Non Governmental Organizations, the Village head of Kudansa Community, Mr. Auta Alkali said that “I am very grateful for this opportunity given to the people of Kudansa Community. They could decide to go elsewhere but they choose our community.
“Before their coming, we have witnessed several conflicts from one chaos to another, meanwhile with this sensitization and trainings we have witnessed drastic changes. I am also going to join hands with my people and make sure that their efforts are not in vain.”
Conflict: NGO holds dialogue on access to justice, harmful practices in Northwest
