2024 Human Rights Day: NHRC Calls For Equality, End To Gender Based Violence
2 min read
2024 Human Rights Day: NHRC Calls For Equality, End To Gender Based Violence
By Adesuwa Louisa E.
The Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, doctor Tony Ojukwu said the aim is to strengthen partnership, enhance awareness, and foster collaborative action in the fight against inequality and protect human rights for all Nigerians.
Mr. Ojukwu stated this while addressing journalists at the 2024 International Human Rights Day at the NUJ Secretariat in Benin City, Edo State.
” I make bold to submit that human rights protection is a continuous process and not an event.
“Therefore, we remain committed to going the extra mile to ensure that our dear country becomes a model and bastion of human rights protection worthy of the attention of other African nations and beyond.
“Of course the commission has for the 5th time earned Grade “A” Status, awarded by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions. It has thoroughly and objectively “investigated allegations of gross ~ human rights violations.
“The reports of the defuct SARS Panel has remained a reference point by human rights defenders given the crucial role the Commission’s report has played in ongoing police reforms .
“It is On ‘record that the panel which submitted its reports to the federal government under the regime of former President Muhammad Buhari, GCFR made far reaching recommendations on how to reform the Police including the establishment of State and Local Government Police.
“Part of the recommendations also included the payment of compensation to – victims of police brutality which amounted to about’ N500 million.
“We used this opportunity to commend the Federal Government for providing the funds for the payment of the compensation, which has restored citizens confidence in government ability to protect and enforce their their human rights,” he added.
Dr. Ojukwu who was represented by the state coordinator, Mr. Olumide Dosumu said the Commission was poised to advance human rights and social justice in Nigeria.
According to Dr. Ojukwu called for strict compliance to human rights instrument with a view to ensuring that state obligations are met and citizens rights are respected.
He explained that the 16 days Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign has gained traction in the 36 States of the Federation raising more awareness about gender-based violence, promoting gender equality and advocating for policy and legislative reforms to prevent and respond to violence
More so, other civil rights groups that advocated for upholding human rights in the society, including Network of Civil Society Organisations and Smile Africa urged government at all levels to protect citizens and prioritise human rights across the country.
Responding the groups, the chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe promised robust collaboration with the commission, especially in the area of reporting their activities to the world.
