Maureen Okpe
In commemoration of the International human rights day, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC),have flagged off activities with the launch of the 16 days activism against Gender Based Violence, GBV.
The flag off was launched on Friday, during a press conference,organized in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC), funded by the European Union and implemented by International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), in Abuja.
Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN said, that the International Human Rights Day, sets the premise for reflection on the progress made as a nation in fighting for the fundamental rights of citizens as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and other international human rights instruments.
According to Ojukwu, the day also, confronts the short falls that continue to hinder the full realisation of human rights, noting as apt,this year’s theme, ‘Equality – Reducing Inequality and Advancing Human Rights.’
He stated that, this is a timely reminder and a rallying call to reaffirm the collective commitment of upholding and protecting the rights of every individual in Nigeria and worldwide.
He said “The Commission and its partners have lined up a series of impactful programmes and initiatives designed to amplify the voices of the marginalized, promote accountability and foster a deeper understanding of human rights among all stakeholders.
“Through out the 16 days of activism, the Commission will be engaged in various activities aimed at raising awareness about gender-based violence, promoting gender equality and advocating for policy and legislative reforms to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls.”
The Executive Secretary said, “we will collaborate with civil society organizations, government agencies and other stakeholders to amplify efforts and ensure a coordinated response to gender-based violence.”
The activities for the 16 days of activism across the states of the federation includes, road show across the 36 State offices of NHRC (Nov 25), visits to the Office of the Speaker of the House of Assembly across the States, for advocacy and lobby for legislation on violence against women and girls (Nov 26).
Visits to the Office of the Chief Judges of the States and the Judges of the FHC (Nov 27) and meeting with women/youths’ groups in the State, to further deliberate and identify violations (Nov 28).
Others are: visits to religious and traditional leaders across the states focusing on the rights of women and girls (Nov 29); meeting with NBA/FIDA, CSOs across the States to explore the legal provisions on the rights of women and girls (Dec 2); visits to schools to create awareness on sexual and gender based violence (Dec. 3); another visit to health facilities to sensitize health workers on SGBV and the response (Dec 4); media parley (Dec 5); Compilation of reports from the findings at the various meetings and visits conducted (Dec 6); visits of the Commission’s State coordinators and their team to the Governor of their respective States for the presentation of communique from the various engagements (December 9).
At the NHRC headquarters in Abuja, the events include: Human Rights Debates and Quiz Competitions for Schools (27th to 29th November); Human Rights Exhibition – “Heroes of Human Rights” (27th to 29th November); Annual Civil Society/Human Rights Defenders’ Forum and Human Rights Expo (2nd December); National Legislative Forum on Human Rights (3rd December); High-Level Forum on Human Rights and Busines (4th December); National Town Hall on the Future of Litigating Human Rights in Nigeria (5th December); Civil-Military Forum and Presentation of the SIIP Report (6th December); Human Rights Dinner and Awards (10th December).