By Ibironke Ariyo
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has called for a unified global response and tougher penalties against perpetrators of revenge pornography and other forms of cyber-violence.
UNODC Nigeria Country Representative, Mr Cheikh Touré, made the call in Abuja at the opening of a three-day workshop on Cybercrime and Violence Against Women through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme is “Cyber-Interpersonal Violence: The Challenge of Responding to Revenge Porn.”
Touré said that revenge pornography was one of the most deeply personal forms of online harm that required urgent attention.
This, he said, was because it violated human dignity and inflicted long-lasting emotional trauma on victims.
“The non-consensual sharing of intimate images, commonly known as revenge porn, is not just a technical issue or legal challenge, it is a profound violation of privacy, dignity, autonomy, and security.
“It is a form of violence that leaves scars, not only on skin but in lives.
“Although it disproportionately affects women, it also impacts men, young people, and individuals from all walks of life. The trauma is universal, and the devastation can be lifelong,” he said.
Touré said that the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime (UNCAC), also known as the Hanoi Convention, remained the key global legal instrument for combating all forms of cybercrime, as it provided a framework for countries to collaborate effectively.
He, however, urged participants to use the workshop to explore how the UNCAC could be applied to protect the public and close jurisdictional gaps that allowed offenders to hide behind technology or national borders.
“This workshop is not just about legal frameworks. It’s about people, prevention, and healing.
“It means ensuring no survivor is left without justice, safety, or support, and building a digital space where rights are protected, not violated,” he maintained.
Also speaking, the Deputy Head of Mission, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Nigeria, Ms Kristin Wæringsaasen, reaffirmed her country’s support for UNODC’s efforts to combat cyber-related violence, including revenge porn.
She said that Norway’s partnership reflected a growing international commitment to address the challenges posed by technology-enabled violence.
“Digital technologies have transformed our societies, opening new opportunities for education, growth, and connectivity.
“However, they have also created new forms of violence, particularly against women and girls.
“Cyber-violence, including harassment, exploitation, and abuse, has real-world consequences that undermine safety, dignity, and human rights,” she said.
Wæringsaasen said that Norway was proud to support UNODC both globally and in Nigeria through development cooperation aimed at promoting inclusive governance, human rights, and the rule of law.
She described the workshop as an opportunity to strengthen institutional capacity, foster multi-sectoral collaboration, and ensure the voices of survivors, civil society, and youth guide the global response to cyber-violence. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba
