As the world marks the 2025 World Refugee Day, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu, has called for urgent and sustained action to safeguard the rights and dignity of refugees and forcibly displaced persons in Nigeria.
Speaking in Abuja, Dr. Ojukwu expressed deep concern over the growing humanitarian crisis affecting refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), many of whom are victims of conflict, violence, and natural disasters.
He said”Displacement and refugee situations, whether within or across borders, often leave individuals highly vulnerable to human rights violations,
“Too often, they have little or no access to legal and institutional protection.”
He noted that those affected by displacement frequently face a lack of basic necessities such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education, stressed the urgent need for a rights-based and coordinated humanitarian response.
According to him, “Addressing the root causes of displacement such as conflict, violence, and environmental degradation is crucial to preventing future crises and promoting lasting solutions.”
The NHRC boss urged all tiers of government to invest in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and sustainable development as key strategies for addressing forced displacement. He also emphasized the role of government agencies and humanitarian actors in upholding the rights to life, dignity, education, health, housing, water, and sanitation without discrimination.
“Displaced persons and refugees must be given the opportunity to participate in decisions that affect their lives,” he added.
Dr. Ojukwu also highlighted the significance of the Dashboard on Human Rights and Internal Displacement, recently launched by the NHRC in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The dashboard is designed to provide disaggregated data on IDP-related human rights issues to support evidence-based interventions and draw attention to the situation of asylum seekers, returnees, and refugees in Nigeria.
He further disclosed that the Commission has been actively engaging with the armed forces, security personnel, and law enforcement agencies to strengthen the protection of refugees and displaced persons, through targeted human rights training programmes.
Calling for stronger collaboration, Dr. Ojukwu urged the government, humanitarian partners, and civil society to intensify efforts toward addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by displaced populations.
He also advocated for durable solutions, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement, in line with international standards.
“We must work together to ensure that the rights of refugees and displaced persons are respected, protected, and promoted.
“The NHRC remains committed to supporting their efforts to rebuild their lives with dignity.”Ojukwu emphasized.
