As Nigeria joined the rest of the global Community to commemorate the 2022 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Discrimination, the National Human Rights Commission has enjoined Nigerians, national institutions and other stakeholders to strive and uphold the inherent rights and dignity of all persons, particularly those who are facing one form of discrimination or the other.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu (SAN) who made this statement in Abuja at the eve of this year’s celebration zero tolerance for discrimination noted that discrimination is a grave human rights violation that has affected the foundation of human rights locally and Internationally.
The theme of 2022 observance which is “Zero Discrimination against Women and Girls is apt given the increasing rate of discrimination and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria and elsewhere.
According to the Chief Human Rights Officer in Nigeria, right to freedom from discrimination is recognized in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which was subsequently ratified by Nigeria in 1983.
Besides, the Chief Custodian of Human Rights in the country cited Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which provides for equality of treatment for individuals irrespective of nationality, sex, racial or ethnic origin, political opinion, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.
“The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria prohibits discrimination on the grounds of place of origin, sex, religion, status, ethnic or linguistic association or ties”, Ojukwu added.
He further stated that it renian he duty of the State to promote national integration by providing adequate facilities, equal opportunities and rights to all the citizens without discrimination”.
As a National Institution saddled with the responsibility of promoting, protecting and enforcing human rights in Nigeria, the Executive Secretary recalled the Commission’s ongoing drama series SILENT PREJUDICE in collaboration with POHAI on the Africa Independent Television (AIT) which condemned the violations of Osu discriminatory Caste System in some parts of Nigeria.
Besides, the Commission had spearheaded a number of public hearings across the states to address issues of SGBV, widowhood violations/ inheritance, domestic violence and other discriminatory practices.
Zero Discrimination Day is an annual celebration on the 1st of March each year which aims to promote equality before the law.
