FG Inaugurates Model Legislative Provisions Project’ to Cater for Victims, Survivors of Terrorism.

The Federal government through the National Counter Terrorism Centre on Wednesday launched the “Model Legislative Provisions Project” aimed at supporting the needs and protecting the ‘Rights of Victims and Survivors of Terrorism.

‘This is just as the National Coordinator, NCTC, Major Gen Adamu Laka disclosed that the initiative will counter the misconception and narrative that government was more interested in the welfare of offenders (repentant terrorists) more than victims.

According to the coordinator, the Model Legislative Provisions which will be operative in partnership with the United Nations Office on Counter Terrorism and UNODC “reflect the strength of our partnership and aligns with our common vision of building Nigeria’s capacity to prevent, detect, investigate, and prosecute terrorist offences, while ensuring robust support for victims”.

“It counters narratives such as that Operation Safe Corridor prioritizes offenders over victims. This project demonstrates our focus on rehabilitating victims and reintegrating them into society as part of our broader strategy to break the cycle of violence.

“It recognizes the value of vulnerable groups like children, women, as well as youth and places them at the center of resilience-building efforts through empowerment, because without investing in their rehabilitation and reintegration, the cycle of violence will persist by exploitation from violent extremists.

“The Project will promote collaboration across all sectors, bring together experts from the legal, security, correctional, and child protection sectors, as well as Civil Society Organizations through multi-disciplinary approaches This ensures a comprehensive response that will address both immediate and long-term needs.

Noting that terrorism though a global issue, has seen Nigeria bearing witness to its extreme consequences since 2009, Gen Laka said, “Our women, children, and youth have been disproportionately affected over the years.

“We have seen children abducted and forcibly trained to fight, young girls used in suicide missions and exploited as sex slaves, and survivors left with deep scars of trauma and stigmatization.

“Tragically, children born out of forced marriages often face rejection and isolation. The case of the Chibok girls and other similar abductions serve as grim reminders of the enduring impact of terrorism on our society.

“These tragic events have shattered families and left entire communities grappling with fear, loss, and a deep sense of insecurity.

“Beyond the immediate victims, the ripple effects are felt in the displacement of populations, the disruption of education, and the breakdown of social cohesion.

In his remarks at the inauguration, the Director of the United Nations Counter Terrorism Centre, Mr. Mauro Miedico, through video message commended the Government of Nigeria and the Governments of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States for the leadership, courage and enduring dedication to addressing the suffering of victims.

He said, “The initiatives you have spearheaded for victims, humanitarian aid, psychological support, reintegration programmes and restorative justice demonstrate an inclusive and compassionate approach that the United Nations is proud to support and structure.

“I also want to express my gratitude to our funding partners, the U.S. department of State and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia whose support has enabled this project and our implemented partner, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, particularly for such close collaboration in organising this training workshop.

“I welcome Nigeria’s leadership in spearheading all of society approach to combating violent extremism and terrorism.

“The involvement of victims, civil society organisations and state level national authorities shows that by working together we are more effective.

“Simultaneously establishing stronger national frameworks and developing national comprehensive assistance plans for support to victims will allow victims and survivors to not only access much needed aid but to contribute to preventive efforts both at the national and international level.

“The United nations will continue with your assistance to progress the victim’s agenda, but we cannot do this alone.

“We need the support of every single member state. This is why we commend Nigeria’s efforts to work for victims both at the international and national levels, leading the way in this global shift and being a model for other nations.

“The establishment of the Victims Trust Fund under the Terrorist Prevention and Prohibition act of 2022 is key to supporting victims and to empower survivors with the resources they need to rebuild their lives.

“We look forward to strengthening this mechanism under the project. Ladies and gentlemen, Nigeria’s northeast region has faced considerable hardship with Boko Haram’s violence causing thousands of deaths, widespread displacement and community devastation.On his part, Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi who was represented said, “Nigeria has been at the forefront of the global fight against terrorism. We have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of terrorist attacks, which not only claim lives but also leave lasting scars on individuals, families, and communities.

“As Government, we recognize the importance of addressing the needs of victims, as indeed the scourge of terrorism has cast a long shadow over our nation, leaving behind a trail of suffering, loss, and trauma. It is therefore imperative that we not only combat terrorism but also provide comprehensive support to its victims.

“Nigeria has taken significant strides in recent years to enhance its counterterrorism efforts. The Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, with its provisions for the Victim Support Trust Fund, represents a crucial step in providing tangible support to victims of terrorism.

“Notably, Section 91 of the Act establishes the Victim Support Trust Fund, which aims to provide financial assistance and other forms of support to victims of terrorism, while Section 92 of the Act makes provision for establishing the Trust Fund Committee for the purpose of administering the fund.

“The Attorney General’s office, as the custodian of the law, is committed to ensuring the effective implementation of these provisions and the Model Legal Provisions.

“As we launch this technical assistance project aimed at implementing Model Legal Provisions for Victims of Terrorism, We are confident that this technical assistance project will play a pivotal role in building the capacity of our legal and judicial institutions to effectively apply these provisions. By adopting and implementing these provisions, we will ensure that victims receive the necessary support, compensation, and rehabilitation they need to rebuild their lives.”