National Human Rights Commission To Step Up Activities In Nasarawa State

The National Human Rights Commission has reiterated commitment to uphold the basic tenets and fundamentals human rights of Nigerians as enshrined in the Universal Declaration Of Human Rights (UDHR) to end the danger of Human right violations in Nigeria.

The  Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, Tony Ojukwu ESQ  made this declaration in his speech during the just concluded activities marking the commemoration of the 2019 International Human Rights Day in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The Address of the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, Tony Ojukwu ESQ Being Presented

The Executive Secretary, represented by Mr Nor Chia Shaku the Human Rights coordinator for Nasarawa State, expressed concern over what he termed as the alarming rate of human rights violation in the State and the Nation at large, giving the assurance that the Commission has stood up to her feet to do everything humanly possible to mitigate human rights violations in the nooks and crannies of the society.

He stated that the Commission is stepping up advocacy visits to public places like schools – both primary, secondary and tertiary institutions – in the State, market places and hospitals among many others spots in Nasarawa State and the Nigeria at large.

Cross Section Of guests at the Public Lecture

The Executive Secretary further stressed on the fact that lack of awareness of human rights principles and norms had contributed immensely in fueling cases of human rights violations at different strata of the society.

He however promised that the Commission, in line with her mandate, has already worked out modalities to vigorously pursue and uphold the strategy of holding town hall meetings and public hearings particularly on major recurring human rights issues

The Road Show Marking The Day In Lafia

Mr Ojukwu, who frowned at the illegal activities of some security operatives,  said the Commission has among other interventions tackled one major human right challenge facing the nation, that is the profound excesses of the special  anti robbery squad (SARS) with a plethora of allegations of human rights violations including extra judicial killings, torture, forced disappearances, among others, showing deep worry about the activities of some security personnel who believe have no respect for the  principles of human rights and separation of powers under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of  Nigeria thereby infringing on the rights of citizens and retarding the progressive gains being  made in the nation’s human right records.

The Road Show Marking The Day In Lafia

He said the theme for this year’s celebration Youth Stand Up For Human Rights  was imperative, giving the increased population of young persons in the country and the need to collectively ensure that youth participate actively in decision to enable them contribute meaningfully to nation Building.

The Road Show Marking The Day In Lafia

He stated that “The youthful energy of the young people should be positively utilized and channeled into national development and that can only happen when they are assisted to live their rights and realize their potentials in life”.

In another speech during the occasion, there was message of the United Nation Secretary General Anthonio Guterres as presented by Mr Remijus Ajuga the National Human Rights Deputy Coordinator Nasarawa state.

“This year, on human Right day we celebrate the role of young people in bringing human rights to life.

“Globally, young people are marching, organizing, and speaking out: for their right to a healthy environment…..for the equal rights of women and girls…. to participate in decision making and to express their opinion freely, they are marching for their right to a future of peace, justice and equal opportunities.

”Every single person is entitled to all right: civil, political, economic, social and cultural, regardless of where they live. Regardless of race, ethnicity , Religion, social origin, gender, sexual orientation, political or other opinion, disability or income, or any other status”

The commemoration of 2019 international Human right day in Nasarawa State was a  collaboration of the Commission and some voluntary community based organisations in the State which include Family Health Care Foundation (FAHCI), Caritas Empowerment And Development Initiative (CEDIT) Nigeria Girls Guide association Nasarawa State with series of activities which include Street rally, sensitization visits to communities and schools, public lecture segment, questions and answers segment, drama presentation among other activities.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Verified by MonsterInsights