The Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu says the aim of Human Rights Day is to strengthen partnership, enhance awareness, and foster collaborative action in the fight against inequality and protect human rights for all Nigerians.
Dr. Ojukwu stated this while addressing journalists on the heels of the 2024 International Human Rights Day at the NUJ Secretariat in Benin City, Edo State.
Represented by the state coordinator, Mr. Olumide Dosumu, Dr. Ojukwu said the Commission was poised to advance human rights and social justice in Nigeria.
Dr. Ojukwu called for strict compliance to human rights instrument with a view to ensuring that state obligations are met and citizens rights are respected.
He explained that the 16 days Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign has gained traction in the 36 States of the Federation raising more awareness about gender-based violence, promoting gender equality and advocating policy and legislative reforms to prevent and respond to violence
Other civil rights groups that advocated upholding human rights in the society, include Network of Civil Society Organisations and Smile Africa urged government all to protect citizens and prioritise human rights across the country.
Addressing the groups, chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe promised robust collaboration with the commission, especially in the area of reporting their activities to the world.
He urged journalists to report objectively issues concerning Human Rights, and decried the manner in which Journalists’ right have been trampled upon in the course of discharging their constitutional duties.
