Office of the Head of Diplomatic Mission

Press Statement
Date: 23rd July 2025
Reference No: IHRC/NIG/PR/0725/003

IHRC Commends DSS DG on Detainees’ Release and Compensation, Urges Sustained Human Rights Reforms Across Security Agencies

IHRC Welcomes Decisive Action by DSS

The International Human Rights Commission – IHRC Corporation Nigeria, led by the Head of Diplomatic Mission, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, extends its commendation to the Department of State Services (DSS) under the direction of Director General Mr. Tosin Ajayi for the release of twelve detainees, including an individual held since 2022.

“This release, accompanied by financial compensation and a formal apology, marks a significant step toward the domestication of international human rights norms and the restoration of dignity for affected individuals.”

Such gestures underscore DSS’s evolving commitment to human rights, in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international standards.

A Symbol of Accountability and Institutional Reform

IHRC recognises this action as a powerful symbol of accountability and institutional integrity. It echoes the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which strives to reposition Nigerian institutions to uphold fairness, justice, and civil liberties.

Ongoing Systemic Reforms Needed

While this move is praiseworthy, IHRC highlights the persistent need for systemic reform across all of Nigeria’s security architecture. Issues such as:

• Arbitrary detention
• Prolonged incarceration without trial
• Lack of access to legal representation

continue to pose significant challenges. IHRC calls upon all security agencies—including the Police, Military Intelligence, and Correctional Services—to adopt a unified code of conduct based on human dignity, rule of law, and the right to fair hearing.

Towards a Human Rights-Centred Security Sector

“We urge the DSS and all security institutions to implement internal audit mechanisms, prevent abuse of power, and establish transparent public complaint channels,” states the IHRC.

IHRC remains committed to collaborative efforts in human rights education, policy development, and community-based reconciliation. The organisation stands ready to support Nigerian security agencies in training, humanitarian response, and community policing.

Building a Just and Humane Nigeria

In line with IHRC’s global mission—to defend human rights, uphold international justice, and assist vulnerable populations—IHRC reiterates its willingness to partner with state agencies in advancing human rights compliance.

IHRC thanks DSS leadership for this progressive action, expressing hope that it will inspire similar reforms throughout all Nigerian security institutions.

“Let this not only be a moment of commendation, but a new beginning for justice, equity, and humanity in Nigeria.”

Signed:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head of Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

The post 📰 IHRC Nigeria Applauds DSS Leadership on Detainees’ Release, Calls for Broader Human Rights Reforms first appeared on ihrc.news.

Cameroon: The High Commissioner of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) for Central African Sub Region, Ngangjoh Mama Lamya, has disclosed that IHRC organized a musical concert to mark 2023 International Music Day at Beau Central Prison, Cameroon.

The High Commissioner flanked by IHRC Volunteers in the South West Region of Cameroon, said that the ceremony brought together the authorities of the Region and created much awareness of the activities of the IHRC in Cameroon, adding that it also helped to reduce stress on the inmates who danced with most of the personalities present.

They were asked to be disciplined and respectful to the Prison Authorities to serve their sentences without stress, alongside the distribution of food items and clothes to the inmates was carried out.

Reported:
Ngangjoh Mama Lamya
IHRC High Commissioner for the Central African Sub Region.

Editorial:
Fidelis Onakpoma
IHRC Editor-in-Chief, Worldwide.

The post Int’l Music Day: IHRC Marks Day with Inmates, Buea Central Prison. first appeared on ihrc.news.

Mrs Diana Hopeson ( Akiwumi ) the formal MUSIGA president and a renowned gospel musician who made her mark in the early 90s with hit songs winning many National and International awards admonishes young girls to try take their bath at least two times daily during their menstrual cycle.

Joining over 400 both young girls and boys at the Ashiaman Senior High School to mark this years World Menstrual Hygiene Day Commemoration, she stressed on the need for a complete healthier menstrual management by these teenage girls bearing in mind that bathing their body is an essential part of menstrual hygiene.

A collaborative effort from the Bonabear Foundation Ghana under the auspices of the Special Monitoring Missions of the International Human Rights Commission Ghana in partnership with the SHEP Department of the Ashaiman Municipal Education Directorate of the Ghana Education Service and WO YE BRA Schools Project this year engaged the Pupils of the AshaiSec to mark the all important date on the UN calendar.

Mrs Hopeson on the theme of this years commemoration dubbed “ Making Menstruation a normal Fact of Life by 2030” also explained on the main need for every girl to know that “Menstruation leads to Procreation” therefore every growing girl must not be ashamed of her Menstruation and that it’s a normal thing. She lamented on how she felt during her “Menarche” at age 12 and the funny experiences she went through that time. Mrs Hopeson has been the project Ambassador two years running to the MENSTRUATE 2 PROCREATE initiative with a few of her friends mobilizing support for the project.

The Founder and the Project Lead of the Bonabear Foundation Ghana who doubles as the Commissioner for the Special Monitoring Missions of IHRC Ghana- Amb Dr Bernard Kofi Bonarparte in his speech added his voice to the call to totally scrap off all Taxes on Sanitary Materials and pleaded with the Government to consider implementing policies to make Sanitary materials in the Schools more accessible and free mostly in deprived communities a cross the country.

He reiterated that , it is about time Menstruation is considered as a Human Rights issue and as such the need to put in measures to ensure every girl is not denied of this Right. The need to easy access to water in the various Schools is also a contributing factor for ensuring a clean , safe and healthier society.

The Amb , also called on various corporate bodies to partner organizations and civil societies that have embarked on this journey to ensure that Ghana does not fail to achieve the agenda 2030 of the UNSDG.

All participants received free Disposable and Reusable Pads and were trained on the management of those with live demonstration from the male students of the School by the help of the School Nurse and the Lead Facilitator for the WO YE BRA SCHOOL Project-Ms Jennifer Moffat as The head Mistress of the School Madam Jemimah Quarshie and her staff received the team warmly.

Authored by
Amb Dr Bernard Kofi Bonarparte

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