The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has tasked all stakeholders to eschew all forms of discrimination, particularly against women and children who have over the years faced serious Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) for no just cause.
The Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, SAN, who stated this at the occasion of the 2021 International Human Rights Day noted that these violations are perpetrated across class, culture and geography and can only be tackled by effective collaborations among stakeholders.
The Executive Secretary whose speech was read by the Director, Women and Children, Mr. Harry Obe stated that violence against women exists in all countries and in all societies and is driven by a deep-seated belief that a woman is not equal to a man".
He said the theme of this year's celebration, "Equality - Reducing Inequalities, Advancing Human Rights", relates to Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states that "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights".
He therefore observed that the principle of equality and non-discrimination are at the heart of human rights, therefore ending violence against women is everyone's business and a global campaign because it transcends borders and cultures.
In her remarks, the Chairperson Governing Council of the NHRC, Dr. Salamatu Suleiman said that countries of the world are judged according to their human rights records and that Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind in this regard.
The Chairperson whose speech was read by the Director of Human Rights Institute, Mrs Ifeoma Nwakama, mni, therefore charged all stakeholders to work round the clock to align with 2030 agenda of Sustainable Development Goal to ensure improved human rights protection in the Country.
According to the erudite lawyer, human rights violations have been exacerbated by communal conflicts, corruption, kidnapping, banditry as well as COVID-19 pandemic and that proactive and collective efforts by citizens are needed to tackle these issues head on.
In the same vein, a message from the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres was read by the Commission's former Director of Legal Services and Enforcement, Zachaeus Sebanjo.
He said that "Our world is at crossroads, the COVID-19 pandemic, climate crisis and the expansion of digital technology into all areas of our lives have created new threats to human rights".
In her human rights message, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms Michelle Bachelet, whose speech was read by the Director Human Rights Education and Promotion, Barrister Aver Gavar said "that no matter who we are, who we love or where we live, we have equal opportunities to live in dignity and pursue our dream", the UN Envoy added.
Continuing, she stated that from the moment we are born, anywhere on this planet, we have the same rights, including right to life, health, education, to speak our minds without fear, and to enjoy our days in a healthy environment.
The event was attended by Members of the new Governing Council of the NHRC, CSOs, and Development Partners and all were united in the message of equality and non-discrimination as highlighted by the theme of this year's celebration.
