CHARS-Africa

16/08/2026

"Stakeholders call for establishment of juvenile remand centre in Abia - Businessday NG"

The security stakeholders have called for the establishment of a juvenile remand centre in Abia State, to strengthen…

13/08/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAKING THE SYSTEM WORK FOR SURVIVORS: CHARS-AFRICA DEMANDS URGENT OPERATIONALISATION OF ABIA STATE SURVIVOR REHABILITATION LAW

GBV Survivors Deserve Justice, Protection and Rehabilitation, not a Second Round of Trauma.

Aba, Abia State | August 13, 2026

The African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support (CHARS-Africa) expresses deep concern over persistent institutional gaps confronting survivors of r**e, defilement, domestic violence and human trafficking in Abia State, particularly in accessing survivor-centred support, trauma informed care, effective prosecution, safe shelter, psychosocial support and sustainable rehabilitation.

As an organisation currently implementing a project on “Strengthening the Operationalisation of Abia State Rehabilitation of Survivors of R**e, Defilement, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Law, 2026”, CHARS-Africa insists that the essence of a progressive legislation is to ensure implementation, which in this case includes to practically access protection, services and justice as provided by the law.

SURVIVORS SHOULD BE PROTECTED BY THE SYSTEM

The fight against Gender-Based-Violence is affected by several legal, social, institutional and economic limitations. Mostly, many survivors do not report violence because of fear, shame, stigma, threats or lack of confidence in the justice system.
Also, survivors continue to encounter situation where they face insensitive treatment, inappropriate questioning, delays and unnecessary demands during reports and investigations by frontline responders. Such practices, if established, remains unacceptable as such experiences discourage survivors from reporting, weaken public confidence in law enforcement and can leave perpetrators emboldened.

CHARS-Africa therefore calls for mandatory, continuous and practical survivor-centred and trauma-informed GBV case-management training for, police officers assigned to GBV and sexual-offence cases and, other stakeholders.

CHARS-AFRICA DEMANDS ACTION
CHARS-Africa therefore calls on the Abia State Government and relevant institutions to urgently:
Fully strengthen the operationalisation of the Abia State Rehabilitation of Survivors of R**e, Defilement, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Law, 2026, stipulating clear implementation guidelines, institutional responsibilities and sustainable funding mechanisms.

Adequately implement the 2026 Law, to establish a centre that will provide survivor support services; safe emergency and shelter for, particularly children and high-risk survivors.

Strengthen NCHEDO SARC and develop functional survivor support services that will connect survivors to medical, forensic, psychosocial, legal, investigation and rehabilitation services in line with the legal provision for its establishment.

Mandate extensive survivor-centred and trauma informed care in GBV trainings for IPOs, police legal officers, prosecutors, social workers and other frontline responders.

Make the S*x Offenders Register functional, properly maintained and integrated into the broader safeguarding and criminal-justice system, subject to due process and applicable privacy protections.

Institute awareness raising mechanism to checkmate social and cultural norms that discourage survivors from seeking help, stigma and victim blaming.

Institutionalise meaningful government–CSO collaboration, recognising frontline civil society organisations as essential partners in survivor referral, monitoring, community prevention and accountability.

Ensure that no survivor is returned to an unsafe environment or an alleged perpetrator merely because of unavailability of adequate shelter.

COMMITMENT OF ABIS STATE GOVERNMENT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST GBV
Though CHARS-Africa recognises the efforts of the Abia State Government in intensifying the fight against GBV, the real test of this commitment is to equip the SARC such that it can provide shelter for survivors round the clock as provided for in the Law.

The real test is for frontline responders which impliedly defines Abia's GBV response:

Is the survivor believed?
Is the survivor treated with dignity?
Is the survivor case properly investigated?
Is evidence preserved?
Is the appropriate law applied?
Is the survivor protected from retaliation?
Do the survivors have access to shelter, healthcare and psychosocial support?
And, can they rebuild their lives after the violence?

CHARS-Africa therefore urges the Abia State Government, security and justice institutions, health and social-welfare agencies, civil society organisations and development partners to move decisively from policy pronouncements to full operationalisation and implementation of the law, to make for measurable impact.

Signed:
Amaka Biachi Esq.
Executive Director, CHARS-Africa
[email protected] | +234(0)803-553-2707
Facebook: CHARS-Africa

09/08/2026

*CHARS-Africa Trains Aba Police Officers on Abia Rehabilitation Law, Survivor-Centred Response to Gender-Based Violence*

Read more at:

The African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support (CHARS-Africa), with support from the Urgent Action Fund–Africa (UAF-Africa), has organised a capacity-building workshop for police officers in Aba to strengthen the implementation of the Abia State Centre for the Rehabilitation of Surv...

05/06/2026

PRESS RELEASE

5 June 2026

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2026: CHARS-AFRICA URGES COLLECTIVE ACTION FOR A GREENER AND CLIMATE-RESILIENT FUTURE

The African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support (CHARS-Africa) joins millions of people around the world in commemorating World Environment Day 2026, celebrated under the theme: “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”

The theme for this year highlights the critical role that nature plays in addressing climate challenges and sustaining human life. It reminds us that environmental protection is not the responsibility of governments alone, but a shared obligation that requires the participation of communities, institutions, businesses and individuals.

Across Nigeria, environmental challenges such as flooding, erosion, deforestation, poor waste management, pollution, and the effects of climate change, continue to threaten livelihoods, public health, food production and sustainable development. These challenges are increasingly affecting vulnerable communities, particularly women, children, persons with disabilities and rural populations.

CHARS-Africa notes that a healthy environment is indispensable to human advancement. Access to clean air, safe water, productive land, and a stable climate are essential conditions for social progress, economic growth, and human wellbeing. Consequently, environmental sustainability must remain a central component of public policy and development planning.

We commend efforts by governments, development partners, civil society organisations and community groups, working to promote environmental sustainability and climate resilience. However, much more remains to be done to address environmental degradation and strengthen adaptation measures in communities vulnerable to climate-related disasters.

CHARS-Africa calls for increased investment in environmental education, sustainable waste management, renewable energy, afforestation programmes, climate-smart agriculture, and community-based environmental protection initiatives. We also encourage citizens to embrace environmentally responsible practices, including proper waste disposal, tree planting, conservation of natural resources, and reduction of plastic pollution.

As we mark World Environment Day 2026, we urge all stakeholders to translate commitments into practical action. Protecting the environment today is an investment in the wellbeing, prosperity, and security of future generations.

Together, we can build a greener, healthier and more climate-resilient future for Nigeria and Africa.

Happy World Environment Day 2026.

Signed:
AMAKA BIACHI, ESQ
Executive Director, CHARS-Africa
[email protected] | +2348035532707

27/05/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

27th May, 2026

CHILDREN’S DAY 2026: CHARS-AFRICA REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING THE RIGHTS AND FUTURE OF EVERY CHILD

The African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support (CHARS-Africa) joins millions of Nigerians in commemorating Children’s Day 2026, celebrating the innocence, creativity, resilience, and limitless potential of every child.

As we mark this important occasion, CHARS-Africa reiterates that children remain the foundation of a better future and must be provided with safe environments to learn, grow, dream, and thrive.

CHARS-Africa reaffirms its commitment to promoting policies and initiatives that advance child protection, education, welfare, safeguarding, and equal opportunities, while advocating against all forms of abuse, exploitation, violence, neglect, and discrimination affecting children.

We further call on governments, parents, schools, communities, development partners, and all stakeholders to strengthen collaboration towards building a society where every child enjoys protection, dignity, quality education, participation, and a safe future, both offline and in the digital space.

As we celebrate today, let us renew our collective responsibility to raise not only educated children but protected, empowered, and respected children.

Happy Children’s Day to every child in Abia State, Nigeria, and beyond.

Signed:
CHARS-Africa
Promoting Peace, Equity & Justice

05/04/2026

08/03/2026

8th March, 2026

Happy International Women’s Day 2026!

Today, CHARS-Africa joins the global community in celebrating the strength, resilience, and achievements of women and girls.

As we mark International Women’s Day 2026 under the United Nations theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” we reaffirm our commitment to advancing gender equality, protecting women’s rights, and strengthening justice and opportunities for every woman and girl.

Empowered women build stronger families, communities, and nations.

Happy International Women’s Day! 💜

21/02/2026

19th February 2026.

On 19th February 2026, African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support (CHARS-Africa) participated in the Southeast Summit on Reviving Local Governance – Citizens-Led Advocacy for Local Government Accountability and Reform, convened by the Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights (CCIDESOR) at Bishop Nwaedo Pastoral Centre, Umuahia, Abia State.

CHARS-Africa was ably represented by Amaka Biachi Esq, who joined critical stakeholders from across the Southeast to deliberate on advancing local government autonomy, strengthening transparency and accountability in LGA finances, promoting credible and independent local elections, deepening citizen participation, and improving grassroots service delivery in key sectors.

At the summit, CHARS-Africa reaffirms her commitment to democratic governance by identifying civic engagement and community-driven accountability as indispensable pillars for inclusive development and sustainable local economies.

"We believe that revitalizing Local Government Areas is central to restoring public trust, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring that governance truly works for the people".

CHARS-Africa remains steadfast in promoting accountability, participatory governance, and institutional reforms that empower communities across Southeast Nigeria.

11/02/2026

"Abia CSOs commit to self regulation, ethical leadership - Businessday NG"

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) operating in Abia State have agreed to fully embrace a hybrid self-regulation model, a nationwide...