The National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria (NHRC) has expressed its commitment to upholding the principles enshrined in the Maputo Protocol, which recognizes gender equality and the empowerment of women in Africa for sustainable development.
The Commission made the commitment to mark the 20th anniversary of the Maputo Protocol, an essential instrument for the advancement of women’s rights on the African continent.
In a press statement by the Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages of the Commission, Mr Agharese Arese, the Executive Secretary National Human Rights Commission Mr Tony Ojukwu, said, “The Commission reflects upon the significant milestone and acknowledges the strides made towards gender equality in the African Continent.”
He reiterated that while Nigeria has made significant progress in advancing women’s rights, there are still challenges that need to be addressed urgently.
According to the Commission, the NHRC recognises the importance of collaborative and concerted efforts to address the challenges which include, gender-based violence, discrimination, harmful traditional practices, and the socioeconomic disparities that continue to impede women’s progress.
“We call upon all stakeholders, including the government, development partners, civil society organisations, and the private sector, to join hands with us to intensify our commitment to eliminate this obstacle as we particularly urge the Legislature to domesticate the Protocol to ensure its effective implementation,” Ojukuwu said.
The Maputo Protocol, also known as the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, was adopted in Maputo, Mozambique by the Heads of States and Government of the African Union on the 11th of July 2003, to promote and protect the rights of women in Africa.
The Protocol offers protection from discrimination, gender-based violence, harmful practices, armed conflicts, disabilities, and distress amongst others.
The Protocol further offers African women guarantees of the right to dignity, integrity and security of person, equality in marriage and before the law, political participation, social welfare and economic empowerment, inheritance, sustainable development, and health and reproductive rights.
Over the past two decades, the protocol has served as a guiding framework to promote equality and eliminate discrimination, violence, and harmful practices against women and girls.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
