As the World commemorates the 2022 International Humanitarian Day, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reaffirmed commitments to assist victims of human rights violations as it presents items to survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Abuja.
At the official presentation of the item which include foodstuffs, books, mosquito nets, etc. the Executive Secretary of the Commission Chief Tony Ojukwu SAN stated that assisting victims of human rights violations and abuse is at the center of the Commission’s activities which is in line with its mandate and Section 5(b) of the NHRC Act 1995 (as amended).
The human rights Boss also said Section 5(g) of the Commission’s 1995 Act (as amended) empowers the Commission to partner with local and international organizations with the purpose of advancing the course of human rights in Nigeria. He said in line with the above provision, the Commission has had a fruitful working relationship with Dorothy Njemanze Foundation (DNF), a non-governmental organization that deals with providing succor and humanitarian services to the most vulnerable groups in society such as survivors of (SGBV).
While assuring the Foundation of the Commission’s continuous support within its resources, the Executive Secretary said that the Commission is not unmindful of the enormous responsibility of the Foundation to cater for vulnerable persons under its care despite the harsh economic situation.
In order to ameliorate the plight of victims/survivors of SGBV and humanitarian workers, the Learned Silk said the Commission is working with the Ministry of Justice, Defence, Civilians in conflicts, and other stakeholders to adopt a National Security Policy for the protection of civilians. According to him, the policy will improve the climate for humanitarian workers when adopted.
He used the medium to commend humanitarian workers around the globe for the exceptional work that they do in the preservation of the human race through the provision of healthcare delivery, food, shelter, protection, water, and many more.
Director, Women and Children of the NHRC, Harry Ogwuche Obe commended the Executive Secretary for his leadership style which he said has escalated humanitarian work in the public space without which the story of the Commission and DNF would not have been heard. He further thanked the management staff for supporting the Executive Secretary in undertaking this project and the DNF for their selflessness in discharging their work.
In her response, the founder of DNF, Dorothy Njemanze, thanked the Executive Secretary and his management team for identifying with survivors of SGBV. Njemanze stated that the symbolic attitude and support that her Foundation has been receiving from the Commission is laudable. She appealed for further intervention in the area of health insurance, (to ease the burden of medical bills), increased advocacy for the wellbeing and welfare of victims.
She further called on the government and stakeholders to be more proactive in support of survivors of violence by including them in their corporate social responsibility programmes.
