The National Human Rights Commission in Nigeria, the Centre for Civilians in Conflicts, CIVIC, and the European Union have advocated for a stronger approach to the protection of civilians in conflicts.
The three bodies made the call in Abuja, Nigeria, at the commemoration of twenty years of the Centre for Civilians in Conflicts, CIVIC and Protection of Human Rights in Nigeria.
According to the Executive Secretary National Human Rights Commission in Nigeria, Mr Tony Ojukwu, the protection of civilians in conflict from violence and human rights violations of all kinds remains a sacred duty of not only the government but also non-state actors.
Mr. Ojukwu said that already, the commission with other stakeholders has submitted to the Nigerian Government, a draft Policy on the Protection of Civilians.
The Policy, according to Ojukwu, “is aimed at addressing all issues related to the protection, treatment and rehabilitation of civilians as well as remedial and accountability measures for perpetrators of violence and human rights violations.”
He added that “the draft policy applies to the Nigerian government, including, but not limited to the armed forces, security agencies, law enforcement agencies, intelligence services, and any other group conducting operations in conjunction with, or with the support of the government and (or) sub-national government during all armed conflicts, security operations, internal security operations and all military operations involving the use of force to all civilians.”
Mr Ojukwu expresses the commitment that President Ahmed Tinubu will approve the policy for the protection of civilians in conflicts.
The Country Director of the Center for Civilians in Conflicts, CIVIC, Dr. Benson Olugbuo recommended closer communication and consultation with communities in conflict to build trust and develop synergies of constructive information exchange.
Mr Olugbuo said: “There is a need to rebuild our national cohesion through dialogue, equal opportunity, inclusive governance and affirmative action.”
Also recommended, among others, is the establishment of an effective tracking mechanism of civilian harm during security operations, accountability, restitution, compensation, and improvement of military and security sector compliance with standards.
Also, the European Union Regional Officer in Dakar, Senegal, Mr. Borgie Luiji called for a better approach to dealing with crisis prevention in West Africa.
The Chief of Defense Staff Major General Christopher Musa, represented by Air Commodore O.O Akinsanya, assured that the Arm forces will continue to uphold its professional ethics by its rule of engagement.
The Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) was founded in 2003 by Marla Ruzicka as the Campaign for Innocent Victims in Conflict.
It works on behalf of civilians in conflict zones, providing research and advocating policymakers for the protection of civilians.
