NHRC: We received over 427k human rights violation cases in one month

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) says it received 427,606 complaints of human rights violations in one month.

Tony Ojukwu, the commission’s executive secretary, spoke in Abuja on Friday at a press conference to announce activities for the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence (GBV) campaign.

Ojukwu said the cases were received from its 38 offices across the country in October alone.

He said the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence (GBV) campaign is scheduled to run from November 25 to December 10.

He added that this year’s theme,’Equality:– reducing inequality and advancing human rights’, is a call to action to tackle GBV and reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to human rights.

“The campaign reminds us of the need to address the inequalities that perpetuate violence against women and girls and challenges us to bridge the gaps hindering the realisation of these rights,” Ojukwu said.

He called for collaboration among stakeholders, including faith-based organisations, media, civil society groups, women’s associations, and security agencies, to combat violence against women and girls.

Ojukwu cited a UN Women report that states that one in three women globally experience violence in their lifetime, with adolescent girls being particularly vulnerable.

He said the activities lined up for the campaign include state-wide roadshows, advocacy visits to legislative and judicial offices, dialogues with women and youth groups, and school sensitisation programmes.

He said the NHRC will also engage religious and traditional leaders to address the rights of women and girls and hold fora with legal and health professionals to strengthen GBV response mechanisms.

Ojukwu said the NHRC’s efforts are supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by International IDEA.

He said the initiatives have led to the establishment of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) courts and sexual assault referral centres across Nigeria since its implementation in 2019.

Ojukwu reaffirmed the NHRC’s commitment to amplifying the voices of the marginalised, promoting accountability, and inspiring action to tackle GBV.

“We must continue to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and implement measures that uphold the dignity and rights of every Nigerian, especially women and girls,” he added.