Voices 4 Justice (V4J) is a collaborative advocacy platform, launched by the Religious Liberty Partnership, that mobilizes organizations to speak with one voice for justice, dignity, and freedom for vulnerable communities and individuals facing violations of freedom of religion or belief.
As part of the initiative, we will mark the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict on Friday 19 June.
Our focus will be on Nigeria, where many women and girls from vulnerable communities across the nation have experienced abduction, forced marriage, trafficking, sexual violence, and other severe trauma at the hands of extremist groups. It is not an unfortunate side effect, but a deliberate tactic of terror.
Cases of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) remain underreported; unknown numbers are currently suffering in captivity, and survivors often lack support. Meanwhile, perpetrators continue to act without fear of the consequences.
Leah Sharibu, was just 14 years old when she and 110 other girls were abducted by members of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). She was the only Christian in the group and because of her refusal to convert in exchange for her release, has remained in captivity ever since. Her story is a stark symbol of this wider crisis.
Leah's parents have issued a statement to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict calling for justice for all of 'Nigeria's Leah's'. You can read it here
This crisis demands action. We can all play our part.
Pray:
While members of our team engage in advocacy at the United Nations and with the UK and Nigerian governments, we invite you to stand in prayer. The V4J initiative has put together a helpful prayer guide which you can download below.
Take Action:
We’ve drafted a letter for you to send to Baroness Chapman, the Minister for Africa, urging her to address this violence and act to protect vulnerable women and girls in Nigeria. Click the button below to add your details, review the template, and send your letter.
Together we can be a united voice for justice – that sexual violence would no longer be used as a weapon of war.
Use the buttons below to access the resources and actions
