The National Human Rights Commission in Nigeria has called for action against human rights violations in the country and the need to stand for human rights for all.
The Executive Secretary of the commission Mr. Anthony Ojukwu made the call as Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate International Human Rights Day 2022 in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
With the theme, ‘Dignity, freedom and justice for all‘ human rights day is observed annually every 10 December by the international community to introspect on values of human life, dignity, equality and freedom of all human beings regardless of race, tongue and religion.
According to the human rights boss, “the recognition of the inherent dignity and rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world”.
Mr. Ojukwu who commended efforts by the Nigerian government in ameliorating the plights of displaced victims of floods and those displaced by insurgency called for collective efforts in addressing the survivors of Gender Based Violence among others.
He said, “for NHRC as a national institution established for the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria, this year’s celebration amplifies the plight of over 133 million Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty, the millions of out-of-school children (the highest in the world), the millions of our brothers and sister internally displaced by conflicts and floods across the country, the thousands of women and children survivors of Gender Based Violence, etc as challenges requiring collective solutions by all”.
Universality of rights
In a televised message to commemorate the day, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reaffirmed the universality and indivisibility of all rights and to stand up for human rights for all.
Guterres said “Today’s trying times highlights the need for a recommitment to human rights, which are central to solving global problems.
“I urge member states, civil society, the private sector and others to put human rights at the heart of efforts to reverse today’s damaging trends” he said.
The National Human Rights Commission in Nigeria has observed International Human Rights Day with many activities with the launch of the Clients Response toll-free line 6472 to enable Nigerians forward rights violations to the commission with ease.
The Commission also in a week-long event held several forums with Civil Society Organizations on how to advance the course of human rights and political parties on how to integrate human rights in their agenda.
The commission also held a road walk to create awareness on human rights and a fiesta.
In 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Universal Declaration sets out a range of fundamental rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled everywhere, without distinction based on nationality, place of residence, gender, and any other status.
Emmanuel Ukoh
