Abuja: 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 Tour©, 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).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event themed ‘Cyber-Interpersonal Violence: The Challenge of Responding to Revenge Porn,’ highlighted the urgent need to address revenge pornography as one of the most deeply personal forms of online harm. Tour© emphasized that this issue violated human dignity and inflicted long-lasting emotional trauma on victims.
Tour© pointed out that the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, commonly referred to as revenge porn, was not just a technical issue or legal challenge but a profound violation of privacy, dignity, autonomy, and security. He noted that while it disproportionately affects women, it also impacts men, young people, and individuals from all walks of life, with the trauma being universal and potentially lifelong.
The United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime (UNCAC), also known as the Hanoi Convention, was cited by Tour© as the key global legal instrument for combating all forms of cybercrime. He urged participants to explore how the UNCAC could be applied to protect the public and close jurisdictional gaps that allow offenders to evade justice by hiding behind technology or national borders.
Tour© stressed that the workshop was about more than just legal frameworks, emphasizing the need for prevention, healing, and ensuring that no survivor is left without justice, safety, or support in a digital space where rights are protected.
Additionally, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Nigeria, Ms. Kristin W¦ringsaasen, reaffirmed Norway’s support for UNODC’s efforts to combat cyber-related violence, including revenge porn. She highlighted Norway’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by technology-enabled violence as part of a growing international effort.
W¦ringsaasen remarked that while digital technologies have transformed societies by creating opportunities for education, growth, and connectivity, they have also led to new forms of violence, particularly against women and girls. She noted that cyber-violence, including harassment, exploitation, and abuse, has real-world consequences that undermine safety, dignity, and human rights.
Norway’s support for UNODC globally and in Nigeria reflects its dedication to promoting inclusive governance, human rights, and the rule of law through development cooperation.