By Stella Odueme
The Nigeria Human Rights Commission has outlined nationwide activities to join the global community in marking the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” campaign, slated from November 25 to December 10, 2024.
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu SAN, disclosed at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday stressed the significance of the 2024 theme, “Equality – Reducing Inequality and Advancing Human Rights,” saying is a reminder and a call to action to reaffirm collective commitment to protecting the rights of every individual in Nigeria and worldwide.
The Executive Secretary sought the collaboration and investment of key stakeholders such as the media, faith-based organisations, human rights actors, students unions, women associations and security agencies to fight all forms of violence and discrimination against women.
“This year’s activities collectively aim to strengthen partnerships, enhance awareness, and foster collaborative action in the fight against inequality. By bringing diverse stakeholders together, the Commission seeks to reaffirm its commitment to promoting equality, justice, and the protection of human rights for all Nigerians.
we count on the media, as a critical partner in our work, to help amplify these efforts and to ensure that the message of human rights reaches every corner of our society.”
The event which is being organised 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) said this year’s campaign is particularly crucial in Nigeria, where gender-based violence has remained a pervasive issue including reproductive health of women with disabilities.
According to UN Women, nearly one in three women experience violence in their lifetime, and girls are at particular risk of violence, with one in four adolescent girls being abused by their partners.
The “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” is an annual international campaign that launches on November 25, aiming to amplify advocacy against all forms of violence, discrimination, and human rights abuses, particularly sexual violence against women and girls. It concludes on December 10, observed as International Human Rights Day.
Ojukwu said the International Human Rights Day serves as an opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made as a nation in advancing the fundamental rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and other international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a party.
“It also challenges us to confront the gaps and obstacles that continue to hinder the full realization of these rights.
“For this year’s commemoration and as usual, the National Human Rights Commission and its partners have lined up series of impactful programs and initiatives designed to amplify the voices of the marginalized, promote accountability, and foster a deeper understanding of human rights among all stakeholders.
“These activities are designed to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and inspire action toward addressing inequalities and advancing human rights across Nigeria,’ he said.
The nationwide events include: 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).
According to him, 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).
He explained that the Human Rights Exhibition – “Heroes of Human Rights” which will be held from 27th to 29th November 2024 will showcase inspiring stories and profiles of individuals that have made significant contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria.
“It will also provide a platform for creative expressions through art and photography.
“As we embark on this 16 Day journey, I urge everyone to join us in this effort to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. Together, we can create a society where women and girls are valued, respected, and protected from violence and discrimination, ” he stated.
Since 2019, RoLAC has been at the forefront of targeted advocacy, public sensitization, and learning events during the 16 Days of Activism. Collaborating with various government agencies, civil society organizations, media partners, and influencers from the entertainment industry, these initiatives have made a tangible impact, evidenced by the establishment of SGBV courts in the FCT in 2021 and the replication of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) across the country.
