The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has called for stronger penalties and coordinated global action against cyber-violence, particularly the growing menace of revenge pornography.
UNODC Nigeria Country Representative, Cheikh Touré, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening of a three-day workshop on Cybercrime and Violence Against Women Through Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), themed “Cyber-Interpersonal Violence: The Challenge of Responding to Revenge Porn.”
Touré described revenge porn—the non-consensual sharing of intimate images—as “one of the most deeply personal and damaging forms of online harm” that demands urgent legal and institutional attention. “Revenge porn is not just a technical or legal challenge; it is a profound violation of privacy, dignity, autonomy, and security,” he said. “It leaves scars not only on the skin but on lives, disproportionately affecting women—though men and young people also suffer.”
He emphasized that the crime inflicts lifelong trauma and undermines human dignity, stressing that cyber-violence must be treated as a serious offence deserving of stricter sanctions.
Touré also highlighted the importance of the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime (UNCAC)—also known as the Hanoi Convention—as the key global framework for combating all forms of cybercrime. “This workshop is not just about legal frameworks; it’s about people, prevention, and healing,” he said. “We must close jurisdictional gaps so that no perpetrator hides behind borders or technology, and ensure that every survivor receives justice and support.”
On her part, Kristin Wæringsaasen, Deputy Head of Mission at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Nigeria, reaffirmed Norway’s support for UNODC’s efforts to curb cyber-violence. “Digital technologies have opened doors for education and growth, but they have also created new avenues for abuse—particularly against women and girls,” she said. “Cyber-violence, including online harassment and exploitation, has real-world consequences, undermining safety, dignity, and human rights.”
Wæringsaasen added that Norway’s partnership with UNODC, both globally and in Nigeria, aims to promote inclusive governance, human rights, and the rule of law. “A strong and coordinated response to cyber-related violence is essential,” she noted. “This workshop is an opportunity to build capacity, strengthen institutions, and ensure that survivors’ voices guide our collective action.”
The workshop brought together security stakeholders, legal experts, and civil society representatives to explore legal frameworks, survivor protection, and international cooperation in tackling revenge porn and related cybercrimes.
