September 18, 2024

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Health

Nigeria to submit backlog reports on child rights to UN, AU – Official

By Aderogba George

The Federal Government says it is working to submit backlog of reports on the rights of Nigerian Children to the United Nations and Africa Union Expert Committee on the rights of African children.

Dr MacJohn Nwaobiala, Co-Chairman, National Child Rights Implementation Committee (NCRIC), disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.

Nwabiola who spoke on the sidelines of the 9th quarterly meeting of the NCRIC, said Nigeria was yet to submit four reports (5th to 8th reports) to the UN and AU bodies.

On the reasons for the backlog, he said that the NCRIC was not functional between 2010 and 2018, there was no budget line for the committee and meetings were not held due to some administrative challenges.

“We are working assiduously with all partners to ensure that these reports are completed. Members are making input so that we can fast track the process.

“Although the process of preparing these reports is demanding, but our target for the submission of the reports is by the first quarter of 2025.

“We are going to be linking up with the states, zones, NGOs, individuals and organisations.

“One of the things we are going to be doing shortly is to ensure publications both in the print media, electronic media calling for input in all the sectors for these reports” he said.

Nwaobiala pledged that NCRIC would work to ensure that Nigeria did not default again in the submission of child right situation reports.

Speaking on the meeting, Mrs Nkiru Maduechesi, Child Protection Specialist, United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) said they assessed progress in terms of child rights implementation in Nigeria.

She said that almost all the 36 states in Nigeria have implemented the Child Rights Act (CRA) in their various states

“It is good to know that all the 36 states have enacted the child rights law and. structures are in place across the states,

“We have the specialised police unit, the family court in some states who are putting in place efforts towards child protection.

“However, a lot still needs to be done in terms of public financing of social services pertaining to child’s rights in Nigeria.

“A lot still needs to be done in making child protection and child’s rights a priority, because by guaranteeing the rights of children, we are guaranteeing the future of Nigeria.

“Right now, there are large number of children who are still out of school, the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is not yet universal across the state and there is high violent rate against children,” she stressed.

Maduechesi, however appreciated government’s efforts adding that UNICEF would support the effort of government to ensure the wellbeing and rights of children are guaranteed in Nigeria. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

General News

Police commits to rights protection, youths’ welfare

By Monday Ijeh

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Olukayode Egbetokun has restated commitment to protect rights, promote welfare and provide opportunities for the growth and development of Nigerian youths.

Egbetokun said this during the Nigeria Police Force Youth Conference organised to mark the 2024 International Youth Day on Monday in Abuja.

The conference with the theme, “Enhancing Nigeria Youth value for National Security Intelligence”, was organised by the Nigeria Police in collaboration with UNESCO.

He said the day more than a celebration, but a reminder of the crucial role young people play in societies and global community.

“This day underscores the importance of empowering youths, amplifying their voices and ensuring that their contributions are acknowledged and nurtured.

“It is a celebration of the transformative powers of young people in driving positive change and shaping a better future,” he said.

Egbetokun said the theme was a reminder that the strength and future of the country was in the hands of the youths.

According to him, the role of the youths are pivotal in driving social change, redesigning our security architecture and advancing sustainable development.

He said the Nigeria police would continue to harness the energy, creativity and idealism of Nigerian youths to build a safer, more secured and prosperous country.

“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to creating a secured environment that will empower our youths to realised their full potentials.

“Our involvement in this conference highlights our beliefs that young people are indispensable partners in achieving national security and sustainable development.

“We are dedicated to supporting and empowering the youths as chief agents of change and leaders in building a safer and more prosperous Nigeria,” he said.

Egbtokun said the confrerence was a critical platform for dialogue, education and collaboration between the Nigeria Police and Nigerian youths.

The police chief said it was also an opportunity to bridge the gap, foster trust and work together to secure the country in line with the 2024 theme.

He said the insights and ideas that would emerge from the conference would contribute significantly to the enhancement of national security intelligence in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Foreign

Tinubu congratulates Justice Anukam on re-election to African Court on Human Rights

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Justice Stella Anukam on her re-election as judge of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights for another term of six years.
In a statement on Saturday by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the President said Anukam was re-elected at the African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting Executive Council in Accra, Ghana, on Friday.
“President Tinubu commends Justice Anukam for her contributions to the development of human rights jurisprudence on the continent and enjoins her to continue to bring her invaluable knowledge and insights to the African Court.
“The President states that his administration will continue to support the candidature of competent and qualified Nigerians for international positions, noting the country’s strategic importance in the global community.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Anukam obtained her law degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (formerly known as University of Ife), Osun, Nigeria, in 1984, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in August 1985.
She is also a chartered secretary, chartered arbitrator, and seasoned administrator.
Anukam has served as former Director of Special Programmes at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies in Abuja, and as former Director of the International and Comparative Law Department of the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights is a continental court established by African states to ensure the protection of human and peoples’ rights in Africa.
It complements the functions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The court is composed of eleven judges nominated by member states of the AU and elected by the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
Nigeria is a state party to the Protocol establishing the Court, having ratified it in 2004. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Rabe Mani
General News

Stakeholders push for inmate voting rights in Electoral Act review

By Ibironke Ariyo

Some stakeholders in the justice sector on Wednesday urged the National Assembly to include the right of inmates to vote in the proposed review of the Electoral Act.

The stakeholders made the call at a roundtable in Abuja on the reform of custodial centres organised by Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organisation (CAPIO) in collaboration with YIAGA Africa and Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

Rev. Father Jude Isiguzo, the Executive Director of CAPIO, said there was no legal inhibition to granting the right as a court had ruled on the matter since 2014.

Isiguzo said that besides the convicts, those awaiting trial have every right to vote.

”There is also no legal or constitutional provision against the participation of these persons from voting during elections in Nigeria.

“It is necessary that we take a leaf from some of the African countries where inmates in custodial centres vote in national elections.

“In South Africa, for example, elections officers have visited correctional centres across their country to register over 100,000 inmates to vote in this year’s national election.

“In Zambia and Kenya, inmates vote in their national elections. These are just some of the African countries that uphold the rights of adult citizens to vote in their national elections,” he added.

Isiguzo also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to lead the revalidation of the draft framework on inmates voting.

He also solicited the support of INEC to work with the National Assembly towards capturing inmates in the voting process.

“We request the two chambers of the National Assembly to graciously capture inmates voting in Nigerian general elections in the reform of the electoral act being expected.

“We also request the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo to write INEC on their readiness to have inmates registered and also for polling units to be established in the correctional centres,” he said.

In his remarks, Adebayo Balogun, Chairman, House committee on Electoral Matters, believed that inmates who were not convicted should be allowed to vote in general elections.

Balogun, represented by Adegbenga Adeboyejo, said Nigeria should take lessons from some African countries that allowed inmates to vote.

“I believe that inmates who are not convicted have the right to vote during the national election. We will support this and we will ensure this come to be,” he added.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said the commission has been making efforts since 2015 to get inmates to vote.

Yakubu, who was represented by his Special Assistant, Mr Mohammed Kuna said, “we will put heads together and ensure this happen in Nigeria. I can see clearly that by 2027, inmates will vote in Nigeria.”

In his goodwill message, the Controller General of NCoS, Haliru Nababa, said that the service has no objection in getting inmates in their custody to vote during elections.

According to him, the NCoS is fully ready and aware that inmates’ right to vote may come with challenges and is preparing for that.

Nababa who was represented by the Controller Operations, Ibrahim Usman, said that it was high time that inmates in Nigeria are allowed to vote.

According to him, it will be morale booster for the inmates as they would not feel neglected.

“Awaiting trial inmates are not guilty of any crime and they have the right to vote in Nigeria. We are ready when this is ready,” he added.

Also, the Programme Coordinator of YIAGA Africa, Mr Ibrahim Faruk, called on civil society organisations and spirited individuals to join hands with CAPIO to ensure that the advocacy succeeds.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State
General News

Sanwo-Olu advocates consumers, producers mutual understanding

 

By Oluwatope Lawanson/Funmilola Gboteku

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, of Lagos State says he will continue to bridge the gap between producers and consumers, in order to foster good relationships.

Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on Friday, at a conference and exhibition to commemorate World Consumer Rights Day, held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The conference, with the theme: “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers”, was organised by Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated annually on March 15.

The annual event is used to draw attention to the plight of consumers world over, with a view to ensuring the rights of consumers are not only protected but also promoted.

The governor said mutual understanding between consumers and producers underscored the symbiotic and interdependent relationship that existed between the two entities within any economy.

He, therefore, urged consumers and producers to foster an enduring partnership, rather than relationships that could impede sustainable growth and development in the economic value chain.

According to him, the call is necessary because it reflects a broader acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of economic actors and the need for harmonious interactions to address challenges, innovate, and adapt to changing market dynamics.

“Consumers and producers are not adversaries but rather partners in a complex economic ecosystem.

“While consumers rely on producers to supply goods and services, producers, in turn, depend on consumer demand to drive their businesses forward,” he said.

The governor assured that his administration would continue to create an enabling environment that promotes fair competition, protects consumer rights, and supports the development of small and medium-sized enterprises.

He advocated for more harmonious and inclusive approach to economic development that benefits all stakeholders.

Earlier, Mr Abiodun Tobun, Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, advised LASCOPA on strengthening its relationship with the judiciary.

According to him, this will ensure speedy trials for court cases bordering on breach of consumer rights as well as increase confidence in the activities of the agency.

Also, in his goodwill message Mr Biran Fall, QNET’s Regional Manager for sub-Saharan Africa, urged everyone to continue advocating for consumer rights within their communities.

Fall, who was represented by Nana Quartey, QNET’s Senior Regional Legal Counsel for Sub Sahara Africa, stressed on education and consumer rights in order to make informed choices and hold businesses accountable for their actions.

“Through education, consumers gain the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and protect themselves from exploitation and demand accountability.

“Empowered consumers safeguard their interests and contribute to a more transparent and competitive marketplace that benefits society as a whole.

“This significantly strengthens consumer protection laws by enabling consumers to make informed purchase decisions.

“Educated consumers are also better equipped to identify fraudulent or deceptive practices, report violations of their rights, and advocate for policies that safeguard their interests,” Fall said.

NAN reports that Qnet is a wellness and fitness direct selling company. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Oluwole Sogunle

Features

Is Nigeria’s quest to end child marriage within reach?

By Justina Auta, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Although what constitutes child marriage ranges from country to country in Nigeria child marriage is any formal marriage or informal union between a girl under the age of 18 and an adult or another child.

It is considered a harmful practice under international human rights law and often associated with severe forms of violence against women and girls, including intimate partner violence.

In spite of reported decline in this harmful practice over the past decade, child marriage is still widespread and prevalent in developing and underdeveloped countries.

The practice poses significant threat to the development of adolescents, particularly, the girl-child, as it not only affects their health, socio-economic status, but also negatively impacts on their education.

“Even though I was smarter and performed better in school than my brothers, my father forced me to stop going to school and married me off at 14 years.

He felt girls had no business with getting education,” says Hannatu Bala, the 28 years old roadside corn seller in Abuja.

According to Bala, the effect of not acquiring formal and informal education has affected and made her more vulnerable to societal ills.

“I have no skills. I can’t read nor write neither do I have to venture into any business.

“What will befall my six children if I leave my marriage just to escape all the abuses I face almost on a daily basis,” worried Bala told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The petty trader, like so many vulnerable girl-child deprived of education and forced or cajoled into marry early; endure hardship, violence and abuses. Most of them live in abject poverty.

In their deprivation, they also face the herculean task of carrying the burden of providing for their dependents.

According to 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, 44.1 per cent of girls in Nigeria marry before 18 years, totaling 25.9 million child brides the largest burden in Africa.

The survey, which was conducted by National Bureau of Statistics and UNICEF, puts Nigeria in the third position in global ranking.

Ms Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, who spoke in Abuja at a National Dialogue on Ending Child Marriage in Nigeria, said Bauchi, Jigawa and Zamfara had the highest number of child brides in Nigeria.

The three states have a combined figure of 25million cases.

“Jigawa has 72 per cent of its children getting married before the age of 18, Katsina has little less at 69 per cent and Zamfara has nearly 67 per cent of its children getting married.’’

While calling for more investment in education for all children, Munduate said the practice not only violates human rights but also hinders Nigeria’s social and economic development.

“A recent study by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and UNICEF estimates an annual cost of 10 billion dollars as economic burden of child marriage to the nation.

“The study also projects a potential GDP boost of nearly 25 per cent upon its eradication.

“The consequences of child marriage ripple through society, impacting not only the lives of child brides but the entire fabric of our nation,” she said

Nigeria’s government efforts to end child marriage, violence and other harmful traditional practice against children prompted the need to launch the National Campaign and Strategy 2016-2021).

It also led to the domestication of the Violence Against Person Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015 and the Child Rights Act.

These efforts contributed to strengthening systems for quality prevention and response services and helped in addressing some of the contributory factors to child marriage in the country.

The Federal Government has also commenced engagements with relevant UN agencies, religious and traditional leaders, as well as other stakeholders to end the practice of early child marriage.

Nigeria has a national target of 2030 to end all forms of child marriage and collaboration is vital towards achieving the dream.

Recently, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs, told a national dialogue on ending child marriage in Abuja that it challenge posed by child marriage required the involvement of all stakeholders.

Kennedy-Ohanenye said there was need to educate and engage traditional, religious women groups and other stakeholders at the community level on the negative effects of the practice on the girl-child.

Similarly, Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, Wife of Kwara governor and Chairperson, Nigerian Governor’s Spouses Forum, said ending child marriage in Nigeria involved leveraging the instruments of the law.

“There is need for community efforts and the good standing of leaders of socio- cultural and religious institutions; civil society organisations and development partners to assess the concerns posed by child marriage.

“We need to get rid of endemic dysfunctional aspects of the various cultural traditions in the country which have an incorrect gender discriminatory norm,” she said.

Her plea seems to be getting attention at the right quarters.

Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, represented by Alhaji Attahiru Ahmed, Emir of Zamfara, acknowledging the need for children to attain at least attain 18 years with a minimum of secondary school education before getting married.

Also, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, through Dr Micheal Akinwale, of Methodist Church, Nigeria, urged increased investment in the future of children to end child marriage.

Dr Haliru Yahaya, Emir of Shoga Emirate Council in Kwara  attributed poverty, illiteracy and cultures as some of the factors that fuel child marriage.

Yahaya, reiterated the need for improved access to education, empowerment, awareness creation on the negative effects of child marriage.

He also reminded both traditional and religious leaders of their pivotal role to ending child marriage in Nigeria.

The potential of the girl child is enormous. All obstacles that hinder this should be removed.

The society should take deliberate efforts to secure her future and contribute to national development by investing in her education, health and empowerment.

All stakeholders, especially the local communities, Civil Society Organisations, governments and the media should unite against child marriage.

The critical question remains: How prepared is Nigeria to end child marriage six years from now? (NANFeatures)

**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.

General News

PWDs want security, judicial system to counter shrinking civic spaces

 

By Sophia Adinlewa and Augusta Uchediunor

Participants at a training organised by the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) say there is urgent need for security and judiciary personnel to help enhance the civic space for effective participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

The event, “One-day Training of Security Formations and Justice Providers on Disability Rights and Effects of Shrinking Civic Space on Persons with Disabilities in Lagos State’’, had the theme: “Enhancing Civic Space and Disability Rights for PWDs in Lagos State”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants included personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command; The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Judiciary, PWDs, Media among others.

Civic space can  be referred to as the political, legislative, social and economic environment which enables citizens to come together, share their interests and concerns and act to influence and shape their societies.

Mr Patrick Allan, a Facilitator and Legal Officer, in his address, described civic space as a set of conditions that allowed citizens to express themselves.

According to him, security agencies have a major role in ensuring that these spaces are accessible, safe and inclusive for PWDs.

“ There’s discrimination and stigma that regularly go with People with Disabilities; they need to constantly speak up against such negative stereotypes.

“This means they need the civic space to be able to do that.

“Physical barriers and lack of accessibility are some of the major challenges. It’s something that they need to have spaces that allow them to freely interact with other members of society.’’.

According to him, at present, legal protections for people with disabilities are inadequate.

“In some cases, the implementation is not in the best form, and in some cases, they are simply a work in progress.

“So, a lot of responsibilities rest with the judicial personnel to actively protect, promote an environment in which persons with disabilities can effectively and fully participate in the conduct of public life without discrimination’’.

In an interview with NAN,  Lukman  Salami, a legal practitioner, said there was need to re-orientate the public on the societal challenges faced by PWDs.

According to Salami, who is the Chairman of Nigerian Association of the Blind, Lagos state chapter,   a major challenge is discrimination, which leads to not being accepted and not being recognised in the society.

“We’re being discriminated against, we are not totally accepted in the society and not recognised even when we try to do our best to tell the society that disability is not in ability, and that we are equal to the task just like counterparts.

“The proposed ways of getting it right is reorientation of the public.

“That the so-called cultural belief that disability amounts to inability is no longer the situation; people that are disabled are not productive, not because of inability but because of the societal discrimination and lack of acceptance in the society.

“If they are accepted and not discriminated against, they can be useful and contribute to the society as their able counterpart.

“So, re- orientation has to come and we will follow that through, through systematic advocacy and awareness and there must be a proper implementation of the disability law at the federal level as well as the state level.’’

Commenting on the training, Mrs Florence Austin, Administrative Finance Manager of CCD, representing CCD’s  Executive Director, David Anyaele,  said the forum had been able to strengthen the capacity of the security agencies as well as judiciary services who participated.

She said it would be more fruitful if after the training, the participants put into practice the knowledge acquired.

“This is because we are looking at the regulations and other executive orders and activities of the security agencies as well as judiciary services that shrink the civic space of the civil outsource activities and programmes.

“This is to both the interest of the public as well as the humanitarian activities we are carrying out, to ensure that the rights of PWDs are not being infringed upon.

“We have recorded some incidents where PWDs were brutalised, when they were having their peaceful protests. We see the need to sensitise the stakeholders relevant in promoting this cause.

“And also ensure that their policies are shown to be more inclusive, for them to  understand that there are provisions in the disability act that highlight their rights.

“They are human beings and there is the need for their rights to be respected,’’ she said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Vivian Ihechu

President Bola Tinubu
General News

NSCC lauds Tinubu’s ratification of Rights of Older Persons

By Ahmed Ubandoma
Dr Emem Omokaro, the Director-General, National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), has lauded President Bola Tinubu for approving the African Charter on the rights of older persons in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided over by Tinubu, approved the ratification of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights which included the Rights of Older persons in Nigeria.
Omokaro, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja issued to newsmen by Mr Omini Oden, head of Corporate Affairs of NSCC said, with the ratification, Nigeria becomes the 13th member-state in the African region to affirm its obligations.
According to her, the act would strengthen the protection of the rights of older persons through a binding regional legal instrument.
”This ratification is in tandem with Nigerian government’s commitment to accelerate inclusion of older persons into its National Social Development, Health and Economic Security systems.
”To build age friendly society where older persons have right to dignity, security, participation, long-term care as well as access to Justice and equity across generations” she said.
Omokaro said, Nigeria would continue to play its part towards implementation of the UN Charter on the rights of older persons in Nigeria.
”Nigeria as a member of the Bureau of the United Nations Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing is working to support the United Nations General Assembly.
”Especially its mandate to determine the best mechanism including a new internationally binding instrument and the desirability to support UN in strengthening its regional provisions.
”Nigeria is unequivocal on its support to the UN Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing processes and the rights of older persons” she said.
Omokaro, commended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu for taking NSCC’s request to the FEC for consideration and approval. (NAN)
Edited by Yakubu Uba/Ekemini Ladejobi
General News

Fake news: FG pledges not to trample on rights

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that it will not trample on people’s right and press freedom in the fight against fake news and disinformation in the country.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.
Idris called on Nigerians to always “promote the truth and nothing but the truth”.
“We must be in the fore front of advocating for truthful information all the time. Everything that is fake should not be promoted.
“This is because, it can lead to anarchy and destruction of lives and properties. And by the way, nobody will want his home, country, state or nation to be in taters because somebody is encouraging fake news.
“Fake news should be condemned in all its ramifications. I have said that it is important for all of us to be careful in the way we navigate these waters. We know that we don’t want fake news,” he said.
The Minister further explained that there are people who are using many platforms to provide credible information, adding that such is desirable and should be emulated.
“So, we must collectively come together and see ways and means by which these fake news can be tackled without necessarily trampling on the rights of the people, free press and freedom of information,” he said
The minister said that Nigeria will key into the strategies and best practices to be adopted by the international community in the curtailment of fake news vendors. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi/Ekemini Ladejobi
Defence/Security

Nigerian army develops new approach to address human rights concerns

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo, says the massive deployment of troops for military operations among the civil populace requires new approach in handling human rights issues.

Ugbo said this at the maiden seminar on human rights,  organised for troops of the Nigerian Army, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The seminar has the theme, “National Security and the Complexities of Human Rights”.

Ugbo said the seminar was part of multidimensional approaches adopted by the Nigerian army in dealing with human rights issues within the contemporary operating environment.

He said the army as a professional force created by law, would always operate within the ambit of the law, including International Humanitarian Law and the Law of Armed Conflict.

“To its credit, the Nigerian army has operated in places like Sudan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Congo, Angola, former Yugoslavia and many other places outside Nigeria without any significant infringements on the rights of the civil populace,” he added.

Ugbo however said that the Army would continue to educate troops engaged in internal security operations in all states of Nigeria, to respect the rights of citizens.

“Thus, this seminar is one of the means of dealing with human rights issues arising within the contemporary operating environment.

“The seminar will expose participants to the values and perspectives of organizations engaged in human rights advocacy and the protection of civilians in conflict areas.

“It will also expose us all to the values and perspectives of the Nigerian Army as well as other security agencies engaged in the conduct of operations for the defence and protection of civilians while upholding human rights,” he added.

Ugbo said that whenever troops were deployed for internal security operations, it was pricipally to protect civilians and their rights.

He added that the army and human right groups share common goals, which is the protection of innocent civilians in conflict areas.

According to him, this underscores the relevance of the interface between the Army human right groups provided by the seminar

The Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr Tony Ojukwu, represented by Deputy Director Legal, Mr Kabiru Aliyu, commended the army for organising the seminar.

Ojukwu said the seminar represents a strategic effort to reinforce the constitutional role of the Nigerian army and other services in strengthening national security.

He said it also highlighted the need to promote and protect human rights in line with human rights and humanitarian norms and tenets.

According to him, the National Security Strategy 2019 has indicated that kidnapping, banditry and militia activities constitute about 40 per cent of the security challenges in Nigeria.

Ojukwu observed that the current security challenges had led to widespread violations of international humanitarian and human right laws and raised the risks in protecting civilians.

These risks according to him, loss of lives, the sacking of communities and displacement of civilians from their original places of habitation.

“This has led to multidimensional poverty, sexual and gender based violence and lack of access to justice.

“It is significant that the National Security Strategy and other related policies articulate a human security and people centered approach to deal the emerging security threats in the country.”

Ugbo said this would sustain the country’s political, economic and social stability, and marshal support for the military from the civil populace.

“We are encouraged by the relentless efforts of the Nigerian army to foster a deeper understanding of the intersection between the imperatives of national security and the complexities of human rights in Nigeria.

“It is worthy to mention that the National Human Rights Commission has established a strong synergy with the military and other law enforcement agencies.

“This has resulted in improved relations with the military and recorded tremendous success in the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria,” he said.

In a lecture, the Country Director, Center for Civilians in Conflict, Dr Benson Olugbo, canvassed for constant dialogue and discussions between the military and civilians on issues of human right.

Olugbo said the reality was that the military would never win the battle without winning the hearts and minds of the civil populace.

He added that there was need to infuse non kinetic means into military operations, in addition to the protection of the rights of civilians in conflict areas.

Olugbo’s lecture was titled, “Defeating Terrorists While Upholding Human Rights”.

Similarly, Mr Gad Shamaki, Executive Director, Cleen Foundation, said there was need to dispel the wrong notion that the military has no no respect for human rights.

Shamaki delivered a lecture titled, “Combating Violent Security Threats in Nigeria: Balancing Human Rights with National Security”.

He agreed that there were bound to be issues of human rights violation during internal security operations by the military.

He said conversation at the seminar was to strengthen existing relationship and give people more insight into the workings of the army.

Shamaki added that the should also explore what should  be done to ensure that people show respect to the military when doing their jobs and when issues of human rights occur.

“I know there is a lot of effort in the military for civil military relations that need to be made known so that people know who to speak to, where to go and raise those kind of concerns,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Maharazu Ahmed

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