Asaba Female Lawyers Intensify Moves To Protect Vulnerable Members Of Society

In order to properly protect the rights of wom S’sen and children, the International Federation of Women Lawyers, Delta Branch, commenced her annual Law Week on Monday with the theme: ‘A Critical Analysis of the Role of Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law in the actualization of the Rights of Women and Children in Delta State.’

The congress scheduled to last till Saturday, 30th July in Asaba was part of the association’s drive in ensuring that the new law succeeds in providing the legal framework for the prevention of all violence against vulnerable members of the society.

The CONSTITUENT gathered that to ensure the success of the programme, the Honourable Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice T.O. Diai had declared Monday, 26th July and Tuesday, 27th
Court Sitting free days in order to give lawyers in the State the opportunity to attend.

The opening ceremony had in attendance notable legal practitioners such as Hon. Justice T.O. Diai, the Honourable Chief Judge of Delta State, Hon. Dr. Princess Pat Ajudua, Chief Whip DTHA, Barr Kate Onianwa, Delta State Commissioner for Lands and Survey and Welfare Secretary of FIDA amongst others.

Members of the public as well as politicians were also welcomed.

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In her keynote address, Hon. Justice T.O Uloho revealed that the traditional concept is that women being regarded as chattels cannot inherit real estate from their family, thus contravening the Convention on the elimination of all forms of discriminations against women (CEDAW) adopted by the United State General Assembly in 1979 and came into force in 1981.

By the CEDAW, the parties to the International Human Rights Convention have the obligation to ensure equal rights of men and women to enjoy all economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights; that all persons are born free and equal in dignity and rights; that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedom without distinction based on sex.

The female lawyers frowned at the doctrine of parents sending their children to live with relations in order to learn a trade or better their lot, noting that most times, such decision opens the door for children to be violated by people they trust.

“More often than not, these children suffer violence and are seriously maltreated, violated in the hands of those who are supposed to protect them”.