By Edith Nwapi
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed over the rising cases of human rights violations across the country.
The Executive Secretary of the commission, Dr Anthony Ojukwu, SAN expressed this concern on Friday when a report from the NHRC’s dashboard was presented.
According to Ojukwu the dashboard stands as a testament to the Commission ‘s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of human rights in Nigeria.
” Over the past months, our teams in Abuja and across the 36 states have worked tirelessly to compile and analyse data from complaints received at the Commission and unreported human rights violations monitored across the country.
” These analyses not only shed light on the state of human rights in our nation, but also serves as a record of our progress and a guide for future action.
” This month’s edition features 55,218 complaints received by the Commission with violations against state actors topping the chart ” he said.
He noted that the violations recorded in the month of May impacted on an estimated 157,368 persons across the country based on their Victim Impact Analysis.
This he said is a distressing indication that despite their efforts, there are still instances where those entrusted with upholding the law become violators of human rights.
” We must emphasize the importance of accountability and the reasonable use of force by law enforcement agencies. While it is essential to maintain law and order, it must be done in a manner that respects the dignity and rights of every individual.
” Any abuse of power or excessive force must be met with swift and impartial justice.Furthermore, we have observed a troubling increase in violations of economic, social, and cultural rights.
“These rights are the bedrock of human dignity and well-being, yet they continue to be disregarded in many parts of our country” he said.
“As the data is presented we analyse it. Let us not lose sight of the real people behind these statistics’
“It is incumbent upon the government to take concrete steps to address these violations and ensure that all citizens can enjoy their economic, social, and cultural rights without discrimination or impediment.
” This includes implementing policies that promote equitable access to education, healthcare, housing, and employment opportunities.
” The month under review also witnesses significant and troublesome escalation in the activities of non-state armed groups across the country” he said.
He noted that the Human Rights Observatory recorded 298 killings and 360 abductions largely attributed to terrorists and bandit groups.
Ojukwu added that, the north west continues to be a region of concern for the Commission in this regards.
” We continue to see the worrisome trends of killings of men of our armed forces and the Police.
” This for us constitute a threat to security and the defence of human rights and we continue to call on all relevant authorities at state and national levels to stem this tide
” One of the fundamental principles of democracy is the protection of human rights for all individuals, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, gender, or social status” he said.
Ojukwu said, it is incumbent upon them, as the guardians of human rights in Nigeria, to remain vigilant and proactive in their efforts to safeguard these rights.
He added that as a Commission, their work does not end with the publication of this dashboard.
He added that , It is merely a tool, a starting point for further action.
” We must continue to collaborate with government agencies, policy makers, civil society organizations, and international partners to address the root causes of human rights violations and promote a culture of respect for human dignity and equality.
” I also want to thank our partners, the United Nations Development Programme and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for their invaluable support,” he said.
He said: “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every individual in Nigeria can live a life of dignity, freedom, and equality.”
NAN reports that on Feb. 14, the commission inaugurated the maiden edition of human rights dashboard and observatory and presented the report of January.
In January, a total of 1,147 complaints were recorded against 1,484 recorded in February, March recorded a total of 1580 complaints , April recorded 19,470 while May recorded 55, 218.(NAN)
