As Nigeria observes Zero Tolerance Day for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC emphasizes the importance of collaboration among citizens, healthcare workers, and other stakeholders to eradicate FGM in the country.
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This year’s theme, “Stepping Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM,” underscores the urgent need for action and is commemorated on February 6 annually.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, said that the Commission has long been at the forefront of combating the harmful practice of FGM.
He highlighted a 2017 collaborative effort with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Civil Resource Development and Documentation Centre (CIRDDOC) to produce a training manual addressing human rights issues related to FGM.
“The Manual provides a background analysis of women’s human rights and FGM, which is a form of violence against women and girls, along with guidelines for reporting,” Ojukwu added.
With support from UNFPA/UNICEF, the NHRC has run a joint program to eliminate FGM, training stakeholders in five states: Imo, Ebonyi, Osun, Oyo, and Ekiti. Statistics indicate positive progress toward FGM elimination, with plans to expand training to other affected states as resources allow.
Participants included representatives from relevant ministries, community organizations, media, security, traditional leaders, and NGOs, who collectively prepared independent and shadow reports post-training.
Additionally, Ojukwu mentioned the establishment of the Special Independent Investigation Panel on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, supported by the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative.
“This panel addressed complaints across six geopolitical zones, empowering victims through skills training and business support.”
Ojukwu urged Nigerians to report any instances of FGM and human rights violations to the NHRC, emphasizing the protection of victims’ rights in line with various legal frameworks.
He urged citizens to leverage the NHRC toll-free line 6472 to report any case FGM and other cases of human rights violations to the Commission.
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