By Faith Igbudu
Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), in collaboration with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (UNHCR) has organised a training on prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse for humanitarian partners and displaced persons.
The training, held at Tor Dege Hall in Adikpo Local Government Area of Benue state, was meant to educate the caregivers, displaced persons and refugees on how to avoid or deal with sexual exploitation in vulnerable places.
Executive Secretary of SEMA, Dr Emmanuel Shior, said his agency has already embraced the six core principles relating to sexual exploitation and abuse, and would not hesitate to penalise whoever perpatrates the dastardly act. He stated that the decision by SEMA is hinged on the solid stance of Governor Samuel Ortom and his wife, Dr Eunice Ortom on the fight against gender-based violence and sexual abuse.
Shior further noted that by the training, humanitarian partners/caregivers will be beter equipped with the requisite knowledge on the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse to persons of concern.
The SEMA boss lauded the effort of relevant humanitarian agencies for supporting the Benue State Government in catering for the Cameroonian refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.
Associate Protection Officer, UNHCR in Ogoja, Cross River state, Ruth Kirui, said Benue State Government is proactive in the fight against gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and abuse, as well as prompt attention given to the Cameroonian refugees and IDPs accross the state. According to her, the training will help to enlighten partners and the general public on the principles of prevention all manner of sexual exploitation and abuse.
