The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has said it would henceforth work to ensure that bills that may likely violate the human rights of the citizens do not get passed into law.
Addressing the media on activities lined up by commission to mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu said commission is organising Legislative Forum on Human Rights, where discussions would be on the role of Human Rights Committees in advancing human rights.
Ojukwu said “the situation in Nigeria regarding human rights is complex, despite the country’s commitment to international treaties and its efforts in enacting laws to protect human rights.”
He said that Nigeria faces significant challenges including poverty, inequality, discrimination, insecurity, and weak law enforcement leading to illegal arrests, prolonged detentions, and extrajudicial killings.”
He noted that: “The Forum which will be attended by leaders in the National and State legislatures, senior policy makers, the judiciary, human rights and legal professionals, civil society organisations, international development partners and other stakeholders, will provide a vital platform for them to engage in meaningful discussions, increase awareness, and strengthen commitment to human rights principles within legislative bodies.”
He said “henceforth the NHRC would support legislature that protect human rights and would not support those that are otherwise.”
He said machinery would be put in place to ensure that bills that contravene human rights do not get passed into law.
Ojukwu disclosed that the NHRC will join other institutions to mark the 16 Days of Activism on Gender Based Violence, adding that “in all our 36 state offices and the FCT, the NHRC will embark on advocacy and public sensitisations with government, civil society, traditional and religious authorities and the media to call attention and action on stemming the tide on sexual and gender-based violence.”
Other activities lined up for the week, include: Correctional Centre Audit and Police Station Visitation, Human Rights Quiz Competition, Human Rights Film Festival, A High-Level Forum on Business and Human Rights, Civil Society Forum,
Civil-Military Forum on Human Rights, Human Rights Walk and Statements, Human Rights Fiesta, and Human Rights Dinner and Award.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
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