NHCR seeks stronger collaboration on human rights protection nationwide

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to enhance the implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) for the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, stated this at a pre-zonal consultative meeting on the implementation of the NAP (2024-2028) on Wednesday in Damaturu.

Ojukwu, represented by Labaran Babangida, the state Coordinator of the commission said the forum was organised by the NHRC in collaboration with Tridose Global Concepts Limited.

He said the consultation was aimed at discussing modalities, clarifying roles and responsibilities, harmonising efforts across sectors and addressing emerging gaps in the implementation of the action plan.

“This forum will provide us with the platform to discuss modalities, clarify roles and responsibilities, harmonise efforts across sectors, and address emerging gaps.

“More importantly, it will also allow us to strengthen synergy between Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), recognising that sustainable human rights protection can only be achieved through coordinated and inclusive action,” he said.

The executive secretary described the NAP as a guiding document for the promotion and protection of human rights in line with the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action adopted in 1993.

According to him, the plan reflects Nigeria’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights as guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international instruments.

He said Nigeria adopted its first NAP between 2009 and 2013, adding that the current 2024-2028 plan emerged after a decade-long consultative process led by the NHRC.

Ojukwu said the process involved Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Civil Society Organisations, as well as steering committees and other stakeholders across the country.

He said with the implementation cycle already underway, there was a need to monitor and evaluate activities across agencies and strengthen implementation strategies where necessary.

The NHRC chief urged participants to engage constructively and offer practical recommendations toward achieving the objectives of the action plan.

He said the selection of participating MDAs and civil society groups was based on their relevance and strategic roles in advancing and protecting human rights.

According to him, effective collaboration among institutions will make the protection of citizens’ rights easier and improve service delivery across organisations.

One of the participants, Mrs Angela Katugwa, Chief Administrative Officer, Public Complaints Commission, Yobe, described the session as enlightening.

Katugwa said the programme had helped participants to understand that the mandates of different organisations ultimately revolved around protecting the rights of citizens.

“We look forward to collaborating with the National Human Rights Commission to be able to help more people together,” she said.

Another participant, Malam Idi Sharif, said the programme would help ordinary citizens to better understand their rights and responsibilities.

Sharif said the increased awareness would enable citizens to benefit from government policies and contribute positively to society.