COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE ONE-DAY STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOP HELD ON 21ST AUGUST 2026 AT BANPAC EVENT CENTRE, UMUAHIA, ABIA STATE
The One-Day Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building Workshop held on 21st August 2026 at the BANPAC Event Centre, Umuahia, Abia State, was organised by the African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support (CHARS-Africa) with support from the Urgent Action Fund-Africa.
The engagement brought together stakeholders from MDAs, law enforcement, professional bodies, labour union, religious and traditional institutions, media, and organised civil society organisations.
The workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to examine the legal framework for survivors protection and rehabilitation as provided in the Abia State Centre for Rehabilitation of Survivor of Rape, Defilement, Domestic Violence and any form of Human Trafficking Law 2026, and to identify gaps requiring legislative attention.
During the group work sessions, participants identified significant gaps in the said legal framework and made recommendations aimed at strengthening its effectiveness using survivor-centred approach. Key recommendations include: the explicit inclusion of rape and human trafficking within the scope of the law; stronger provisions for survivor rehabilitation; empowerment; education and economic reintegration; and provision of safe shelter beyond six months where a survivor’s circumstances require continued protection.
Participants also called for stronger and more inclusive Governing Board, effective participation of relevant institutions at both State and Local Government levels, and put in place appropriate mechanisms for coordination and accountability.
The stakeholders further recommended that the Centre be staffed with qualified personnel with expertise in GBV, child protection, human trafficking and social welfare, while the Legal Adviser should be appropriately appointed to provide effective legal support to survivors and the Centre.
Particular emphasis was placed on protecting the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of survivors, with appropriate safeguards against sexual, financial and other forms of exploitation or abuse.
The stakeholders therefore called for incorporation of the recommendations generated during the workshop to be considered in future review of the legislation and urge continues collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders towards entrenching the practice as provided by the law.
The participants expressed appreciation to CHARS-Africa and Urgent Action Fund-Africa for facilitating the engagement and creating a platform for meaningful stakeholder participation, and enjoined them to continue in their support until an effective centre (SARC) is achieved.
Issued at the conclusion of the One-Day Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building Workshop, 21st August 2026, Abia State.
E-signed:
Amaka Biachi, Esq.
Chuka Okoye
