Stakeholders advocate legislative reforms for treatment of gunshots victims
Dignitaries at the 2023 end of 16 days campaign against Gender Based Violence, International Human Rights Day and inauguration of campaign and advocacy sticker for gunshots victims in Abuja.
Some stakeholders in Abuja have advocated for the review of existing legislation and policies related to compulsory treatment and care for victims of gunshots.
They made the call at the end of the 2023 campaign against gender-based violence (GBV), International Human Rights Day, and the inauguration of the campaign and advocacy sticker for gunshot victims.
The event was organised by the West African Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA), the Office of the First Regional Vice President, and the Osun State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria.
Hajiya Medina Nadabo, National President, Foreign Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FOCAN), said the challenges victims of gunshots face in accessing health care and treatment are enormous.
“The government should review existing legislation and policies related to compulsory treatment and care for victims of gunshots.
“This should be done in consultation with human rights organisations, medical professionals, and other stakeholders to ensure that the rights of individuals are protected while addressing urgent medical needs, he said.
Nadabo said there was a need to strengthen the healthcare system. Investment in healthcare infrastructure, personnel, and resources is essential to ensuring that victims of gunshots receive prompt and efficient medical care.
Igwe Nnamdi, Regional Vice President, WAANSA, said the proliferation of illegal small arms and light weapons has increased criminality and armed violence in the country.
“We appeal to President Bola Tinubu in the spirit and compliance of International Human Rights Day to declare an awareness day to amplify the voices of Nigerians on their right to compulsory treatment without police report.”
Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, Director General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), said the event would enlighten medical personnel and the general public on the compulsory treatment and care of victims of gunshot.
Ahmed, represented by Chris Ogar, Acting Director, Legal Services, said: “This is a very strategic move that would foster a quicker response to such victims as well as create less tension for their families.”
“Experts are aware that gunshot injuries often require specialised care and equipment. Without these facilities, patients are at risk of death or disability.
“This calls for the need for more awareness in compliance with the provisions of the compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims with Gunshot Act, 2017.”
Temitope Lamidi, President, WAANSA Nigeria, advocated for the prosecution and shut down of any medical facility that refuses to treat a gunshot injury, as well as compensating the families of the victims.
