The National Human Rights Commission NHRC has expressed concerns over increase in human rights violations across Nigeria.The commission said plans were on the way to convey stakeholders’ forum to address the menace.
The Executive Secretary,,NHRC,Dr.Tony Ojukwu stated this today 8th October, 2024,at the presentation of the September edition of the monthly Human Rights Dashboard at the commission headquarters Abuja.
Dr.Tony Ojukwu who was represented at the event by the Director, Legal Enforcement,Mrs.Rabi Awwalu Anwar said the event served as platform for the participants privilege to address the ongoing human rights challenges that affect countless individuals across Nigeria.
He said the Commission’s dashboard remained an essential resource for stakeholders, offering vital insights and data that highlight the need for stakeholders’ collective response and action.
Ojukwu said “As we gather today to review the latest findings, I encourage all of us to appreciate the importance of this platform in promoting accountability, transparency, and advocacy for human rights in our country. I urge the media to continue their vital work in amplifying the voices of those who are vulnerable and marginalized.
On Nigeria’s Independence Day, we witnessed the #FearlessInOctober protests, reflecting the masses’ ongoing call for accountability and good governance, following the earlier #EndBadGovernance protests. We are deeply concerned about the excessive use of force and tear gas by the Nigeria Police Force on protesters in Abuja. Such actions represent a serious violation of the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens.
“A major issue we are highlighting today is the tragic loss of lives due to road accidents, which severely undermines the enjoyment of human rights for many families. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), approximately 1,471 individuals have been killed from road crashes in the first quarter of 2024 alone. It is crucial for the government and the Federal Road Safety Corps, to take immediate and sustainable measures to address this crisis and ensure the safety and welfare of all motorists in Nigeria.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in this important process. A special thanks to our partners at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Royal Norwegian Embassy, supporters of the Tripartite Partnership Project, as well as the media for their commitment to the dashboard. I also appreciate the presence and support of other development partners and advocates for human rights.
“Today, we will examine data from September, which includes 305,300 complaints received at the Commission. As we explore the data from, let us not lose sight of the human stories behind these numbers. Each complaint represents a person whose rights and dignity are at stake. We must approach our work with compassion and resolve, ensuring that we are not only identifying issues but also actively seeking solutions for every individual in Nigeria to enjoy the full spectrum of their human rights, free from fear and oppression.
The highpoint of the event was graphical presentation of the 8th edition of the Commission’s monthly human rights dashboard delivered by Special Advisor to the Executive Secretary, NHRC,Mr Hillary Ogbonna.
