By Ibironke Ariyo
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has called for coordinated global and national action to tackle online gender-based violence, describing it as one of the most urgent and deeply personal forms of harm in the digital era.
The UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, Mr Cheikh Touré, made the call in Abuja at the opening of a three-day workshop on Cyber-Interpersonal Violence: The Challenge of Responding to Revenge Porn.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop focused on cybercrime and violence against women through information and communication technologies.
Touré said that the event aimed to strengthen capacity among law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations (CSOs) and other partners to respond effectively to cybercrimes.
This, he said, were those especially involving the malicious use of intimate images for coercion, humiliation or exploitation.
“This is not just a technical issue or a legal challenge; it is a profound violation of privacy, dignity, autonomy and security.
“Online abuse leaves deep scars not only on screens but in people’s lives, affecting women disproportionately though also impacting men and young people.
“The trauma is universal, and the devastation can be lifelong,” he said.
Touré recalled that on Dec. 24, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the UN Convention against Cybercrime.
This, he said, marked the first time the international community formally recognised cyber-enabled abuse as a global threat requiring collective action.
He described the convention as more than a document, but a commitment by states to share a unified front against the diverse realities of online violence.
“At UNODC, especially here in Nigeria, we take this commitment very seriously. We have a dual mandate.
“Firstly, to support nations in developing harmonised national standards grounded in international agreements.
“Secondly, to provide technical advice, mentoring and capacity building so that responses to cybercrime are swift, effective and survivor-centred,” he added.
Touré, however, emphasised the need for closer collaboration with law enforcement agencies to strengthen investigations, while empowering CSOs to offer safe and trauma-informed care to victims.
He said the workshop would explore legal frameworks, practical victim-centred responses and inter-agency cooperation, stressing that no single sector could address the issue alone.
“This workshop is not just about legal frameworks; it is about people, prevention and healing.
“It is about building a Nigeria and a world where the digital space is not a battlefield for dignity, but a place where rights are protected,” he said.
The UNODC representative commended the Norwegian Embassy for its longstanding support to UNODC both in Nigeria and globally.
Touré also acknowledged Mr David Wright, the Director of South West Grid for Learning, and Ms Kate Worthington, for their contributions to the fight against online abuse.
He lauded their groundbreaking “survivor network” which empowered victims to take back control by preventing the spread of their images online.
“Mr Wright, we recognise your innovative approach. Your empathy and partnership mean the world to us and to the people of Nigeria,” Touré emphasised.
The UNODC rep also appreciated the presence of representatives from the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies, commending their commitment to making Nigeria safer and more resilient.
“Nigeria is a trailblazer in whatever it does, and as West Africans, we need a Nigeria that is healthy and strong,” he said.
Touré urged participants to make the workshop a turning point toward protection, prevention, accountability, and a future where digital platforms become safe spaces for all.
“Let us move toward a digital future where abuse finds no safe harbour, and where every person can live with dignity and health. God bless you all, and God bless Nigeria,” he maintained.
Participants present at the event were law enforcement agencies, CSOs, NGOs, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
