The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons have reported that they received 1,324 complaints of human rights abuses and violence in 2022, successfully resolving only 187 cases through mediation.
According to its report on the implementation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act), 717 of these cases fell under the Act’s provisions.
The most common complaints included spousal battery, rape, abandonment of spouses and dependents, and physical injury. Spousal battery accounted for 269 cases, making it the highest-reported offence, while 100 cases of rape were recorded.
NAPTIP also investigated emotional and psychological abuse, with 63 cases in this category. In terms of legal action, the agency secured 24 convictions, primarily for rape and physical injury. A total of 31 individuals were prosecuted, with 25 cases filed in court.
Despite these efforts, the report highlighted challenges, including a lack of awareness about the VAPP Act among law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and judicial personnel, which hindered the effective enforcement of the law. Economic hardships also contributed to survivors withdrawing their complaints, as many were financially dependent on their abusers.
Insufficient budgetary allocations and a shortage of shelters further complicated NAPTIP’s work.
The report recommended increased training for stakeholders, the establishment of a Special Gender-Based Violence Victim Trust Fund, and the expansion of shelters and sexual assault referral centres.
NAPTIP’s spokesperson, Mr. Zacks Dauda, could not be reached for comment, but in an earlier interview, he expressed optimism that the agency would secure more convictions following its return to the Ministry of Justice in October 2023.
Dauda emphasized that the move would lead to more efficient delivery of justice for trafficking and violence-related offences.
