… appeals to Nigerians to support human rights fund
By Stella Odueme
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu SAN disclosed on Tuesday that the commission received over two millions complaints in the last one year saying that it is an indication that Nigerians are beginning to exercise their human rights.
He also appealed to Nigerians to support the Human Rights Fund which he lamented has remained unfunded till date.
He stated this in Abuja at an awareness walk to commemorate the International Human Rights Day with the theme; “Our rights, our future, right now”.
Dr Ojukwu urged Nigerians to contribute to the promotion of human rights by donating resources.
The Executive Secretary and Chairperson of the NHRC Governing Board, Dr, Salamatu Suleima led other partners and Nigerians on the awareness walk from Eagles Square, Central Area to the Commission’s headquarters at Maitama.
The event was 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).
Participants carried placards bearing messages, including calls to action such as: ‘Stand for equality, fight for humanity’, ‘human rights are universal rights. Let’s protect them’, ‘Human rights know no boundaries’, ‘Break the chains of inequality, advance human rights’, among others.
Speaking to reporters, the Executive Secretary underscored the need for Nigerians to recognize that protecting human rights is a collective responsibility that goes beyond government efforts alone.
‘During the military rule, maybe you have 20 complaints a year, you have 100
complaints a year. So for us to be at 2 million complaints a year now shows that Nigeria
has come of age. Nigerians are aware of their rights and are seeking that their rights should be
addrrssed.”
He commended RoLAC for its valuable support, which he acknowledged has been helping to ensure the NHRC programme’s succeed.
“We need resources, because all these things cannot be done without resources. The government is trying, but they can do a lot better, they can do a lot more. And also note that it is not only for government to assist in addressing human rights violations.
“Private individuals, companies, can also donate. It doesn’t have to be cash, they can donate equipment. They can donate computers, they can donate laptops, they can donate vehicles. They can donate facilities, tables, chairs, all those kind of things, they all help.
“So we call upon Nigerians to see the addressing rights of Nigerians as a common problem, not only to be left to government. There is a Human Rights Fund, nobody has donated one naira to that fund. Why can’t we have a lot of private individuals in this country that can afford to donate M100 million, and it will not mean anything to them.
“And they will be happy that the number of displaced persons, that the number of people begging on the streets, the number of children who cannot go to school, the number of women who are thrown out of their homes, the number of children who are wandering on the streets who have no shelter. All these are, you can see, when you watch the dashboard every month, you see how many children have been abandoned, because the parents can no longer be the responsibilities”.
On her part, the Chairmam, Governing Council of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Salamatu Suleiman, said commemoration of human rights day should not be confined to one day but celebrated everyday.
She said emphasis must be placed on out-of-school children, noting that if they are educated, it will eliminate social vices in the society.
On his remarks UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mr. Volker Turk congratulated NHRC for sustained reporting on human rights and hanitarian issues.
‘Human rights belong to all of us. Join us and uphold the rights of everyone, everywhere. Our rights, our future, right now.
‘On Human Rights Day, we call for an end to senseless conflicts and suffering.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the UN correspondents’ association in Geneva. I warmly congratulate you for your sustained reporting on human rights and humanitarian issues. More than ever, we need and the world needs quality journalism.’
He attributed human rights violations to proliferation of armed conflict, erosion of respect for international law in the conduct of hostilities, and the apparent indifference of powerful actors to immense numbers of casualties and suffering.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN said this year’s theme serves as a strong reminder that human rights are the cornerstone of a just, equitable, and peaceful society.
“As we join the global community to commemorate the 2024 International Human Rights Day, I reaffirm the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria.
“It emphasizes the imperative of collective action to safeguard the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, and to ensure that all persons enjoy their rights and freedoms without discrimination or distinction.
“As we celebrate this momentous occasion, we acknowledge the significant progress Nigeria has made in promoting and protecting human rights. Notwithstanding, we recognize that there are still challenges to be addressed, and we recommit ourselves to working tirelessly to ensure that the rights of all Nigerians and every person living in Nigeria are respected, protected, and fulfilled.”
The International Human Rights Day is celebrated annually on December 10 to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). It is the highpoint of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence which commenced on November 25.
