The United Nations has expressed its commitment to assist the National Human Rights Commission in Nigeria to ensure better human rights protection.
The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Mathias Shamel revealed this when he paid a visit to the National Human Rights Commission headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital.
Mr. Shamel informed the leadership of the commission that there is need to strengthen collaborations in ensuring peace and human rights protection of vulnerable population.
He said public advocacy is the last resort in ensuring government put things correctly, adding that, “we ensure we have informal dialogue when things happen in human rights perspective.”
The UN Resident Coordinator on Humanitarian noted that even though the office of High Commissioner on Human Rights is not present in Nigeria, “they have resources you can call upon, they have a whole range of dedicated special advisers and experts. So, that’s always a possibility. So please let us know if you see around a specific issue. Let’s work together to try get dedicated visits that may help your Agenda.”
Mr. Shamel explained that the UN is determined in achieving three priorities in Africa which are Education for out of school children, Climate change and Human right based development.
Receiving the UN delegation, Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, Mr. Anthony Ojukwu SAN, informed them of the various efforts of the commission in addressing Human Rights violations in Nigeria.
He expressed the determination of the commission in working with the UN to help have a permanent solution to police brutality in the country.
Ojukwu stressed the need for technical support, improved collaboration and funding of the commission to realize its objectives.
Other heads of units in the Human Rights Commission also briefed the Resident Coordinator on Humanitarian efforts recorded in various mandate of the commission.
