Introduction
The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) was enacted in 2015 to protect individuals in Nigeria from various forms of violence. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) introduces the VAPP Act as aiming to eliminate violence in private and public life, prohibiting all forms of violence against persons to provide maximum protection and effective remedies for victims and punishment of offenders.
Repeal or Refine: The Debate Over Nigeria’s Landmark VAPP Act
Despite the VAPP Act being a groundbreaking piece of legislation, establishing a holistic legal framework that addresses violence and abuse, providing support services for survivors, and creating awareness about different forms of violence. Only 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory have domesticated the Act, according to a VAPP Tracker report by Partners Nigeria. Meaning it’s yet to be fully enforceable in other states, which can hinder its effectiveness in protecting women and girls in Nigeria. Yet with the alarming rise of many gender-based violence and human rights abuse happening in Nigeria. Discussions of repealing the Act have risen, posing a threat to the advancement of human rights. The repeal of the Act, sponsored by Senator Jibrin Isah of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for Kogi East in 2024, argues that ‘repealing the current law will allow for amendments to address its perceived flaws, as it is not comprehensive enough in its present form.’
Understanding the VAPP Act: The Purpose and Promise
The VAPP Act for many Nigerians is more than just a law, as it is a lifeline for many who face several forms of violence regularly. Conversations on repealing the law have raised fears of setbacks and regression in safeguarding certain vulnerable groups, that may leave them exposed to continued exploitation and violence, eroding the struggles, efforts and progress made by activists over the years to address sexual and gender-based violence in the country.
Conclusion
For many human rights defenders in Nigeria, the request for a repeal of the VAPP Act deeply signifies a disregard for human rights and undermines the country’s commitment to international human rights laws. Repealing the Act would only pose destructive to the progression of human rights in Nigeria. Therefore, it is suggested that rather than a repeal of the Act, substantive efforts should be made towards strengthening it and ensuring full implementation across all states in the country. As protecting human rights must be a priority, and the VAPP Act serves an essential tool in actualising this goal in Nigeria.
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