Fumesua, Kumasi, Ghana – April 8, 2025

The International Human Rights Commission IHRC Corporation, through its National Coordination Office for Côte d’Ivoire, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (CSIR-FORIG). This collaboration aims to bolster regional efforts in climate diplomacy, sustainable development, and environmental resilience within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) framework.

A Unified Approach to Climate Action

The partnership was formalized at CSIR-FORIG’s headquarters in Fumesua, near Kumasi, Ghana. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlines a joint commitment to:

• Implement regional agroforestry and forestry support programs, focusing on climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
• Develop technical concepts and strategies for national adaptation plans (NAPs) and nationally determined contributions (NDCs).
• Provide technical and financial assistance to ECOWAS member states in organizing electoral observations and executing sustainable development projects.

This initiative aligns with IHRC’s broader mission to promote human rights, good governance, democracy, and environmental sustainability across West Africa.

Key Stakeholders and Signatories

The MoU was signed by:

• Mr. Vamara Fofana, IHRC Country Representative and Regional Project Coordinator for Côte d’Ivoire.
• Dr. Kwame Antwi Oduro, Director and Principal Research Scientist at CSIR-FORIG.

Other notable attendees included:

• Dr. James Amponsah, Research Scientist and Head of the National Tree Seed Centre, CSIR-FORIG.
• Dr. Eng. Prosper Mensah, Research Scientist, CSIR-FORIG.

Support from the African Development Bank

The collaboration is further strengthened by support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), particularly through its Climate Action Window (CAW). This backing underscores the significance of the partnership in addressing climate change challenges and promoting sustainable development in the region.

Advancing Environmental Diplomacy

This partnership exemplifies a proactive approach to environmental diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of cross-border collaboration in tackling climate change. By integrating scientific research with human rights advocacy, IHRC and CSIR-FORIG aim to:

• Enhance biodiversity conservation and combat desertification.
• Strengthen community resilience to climate-induced challenges.
• Promote sustainable land management practices across ECOWAS member states.

Looking Ahead

As preparations for COP29 intensify, this partnership positions IHRC and CSIR-FORIG at the forefront of regional climate initiatives. Their collaborative efforts are expected to serve as a model for similar alliances, fostering a unified and effective response to environmental challenges in West Africa.

For more information on CSIR-FORIG’s initiatives, visit their official website.

Article prepared by:
Fofana Vamara—IHRC Commisioner, IHRC Press Journalist

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The International Human Rights Commission-IHRC Corporation in Nigeria has called on Nigerians, particularly the good people of Rivers State to prioritize peaceful resolution within the six-month window of the state of emergency over political rivalries.

In an official statement released on Thursday, 20 March 2025, His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, Ambassador-at-Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission of IHRC in Nigeria, expressed deep regret over the intensified political crisis among contending parties in Rivers State, resulting in the suspension of elected officials, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state House of Assembly, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

While emphasizing the Organization’s commitment to democratic governance, which posits that community development is contingent upon peace and stability, IHRC commended the strategic decision aimed at preventing further instability.

He noted that peace enables governments to prioritize education, healthcare, and social welfare programs that benefit citizens, pointing out that such progress was already under threat and emphasizing that Rivers State’s development ought to be prioritized over political competition.

According to him, peace is essential for economic growth, development, and stability, particularly in the context of political rivalries. It promotes economic benefits, political stability, social benefits, and environmental benefits, ultimately leading to a more prosperous and secure world.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had, on 18 March, declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State as a vital step to restore stability following a protracted political crisis that paralyzed governance in the state and threatened national economic security for over 15 months, and appointed Vice Admiral Ibokete Ibas (Rtd) as Sole Administrator.

The President further disclosed that the near-total collapse of governance, threats to federal economic assets, and the risk of widespread violence left no room for hesitation. Hence, the emergency measure is a lifeline to safeguard livelihoods, secure critical infrastructure, and restore democratic accountability.

Adding, “The crisis in Rivers State was at a perilous tipping point, threatening the security of vital oil and gas installations and undermining the national economy and the significant progress we have made in the reforms initiated since our administration commenced in May 2023”.

The President affirmed that the six-month emergency would empower the newly-appointed Sole Administrator to stabilize Rivers State, address systemic breakdowns, and facilitate dialogue among conflicting parties.

President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the National Assembly to advance peace, economic resilience, and equitable development across Nigeria.

Responding to concerns expressed by meaningful Nigerians, Dr. Duru Hezekiah observed that the concerns raised by various Nigerians regarding the SOE Proclamation demonstrate exemplary patriotism, highlighting the achievements possible when leaders are united by a sense of purpose and patriotism.

He urged the Sole Administrator of Rivers State to prioritize initiatives that foster peace, security, and human rights, ultimately enhancing human development outcomes and enabling individuals and communities to live free from fear of violence or conflict.

In his closing comments, Dr. Duru reiterated that the Nigerian constitution should be revered above individual decisions, and in the interest of peace, advised aggrieved parties to seek redress through the courts, the beacon of hope for the common man, requesting President Tinubu to harness his leadership wisdom to restore peace to the state.

Reported:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

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During the ceremony, Bishop Dr. Samsher Khan presented certificates of appreciation to clergy members and activists of Christ Church in Gorakhpur, including Pastor Rev. Dr. D.R. Lal, Rev. Dr. Ritesh Joshua, Ashish John, and Treasurer Dr. S.K. Lawrence, for their dedicated efforts in promoting human rights in accordance with IHRC standards.

In his address, the Bishop stressed that the protection of human rights is a fundamental goal of the International Human Rights Commission IHRC Corporation, an organisation guided by the principles of the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “In the name of God, we pray for peace, happiness, and prosperity for both our community and the entire nation, seeking blessings filled with love and unity,” stated Bishop Dr. Samsher Khan.

The event attracted numerous participants who confirmed their presence by displaying IHRC identification, demonstrating their interest and commitment to the humanitarian efforts of the organisation. The meeting also outlined practical opportunities for assistance provided by IHRC to local communities.

“I am grateful to God for the opportunity to collaborate with the International Human Rights Commission IHRC Corporation. Together, we can make the world a better place,” added Bishop Dr. Samsher Khan, IHRC Corporation Peace Ambassador MNVC and a staunch advocate for human rights.

Article prepared by:
Bishop Dr. H.E Samsher Khan
IHRC Peace Ambassador
MNVC SMM IHRC
IHRC Press Journalist

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On this occasion, at 11:00 AM, representatives of the International Human Rights Commission IHRC Corporation in Bangladesh laid floral tributes at the Central Shaheed Minar in Chittagong, a monument dedicated to the language martyrs. The ceremony was attended by Lion Mohammed Elias Sirazi, Peace Ambassador and National Coordinator, Mohammed Mazba Uddin, Zonal Coordinator & Director Admin, Amir Hossain Khan, Lion Asif Ghani Chowdhury, Moinuddin Ahmed, Sharmin Sarker, Sumit Barua, Dr. Mohammed Sajjad Hossain, IHRC Corporation Press Journalist, and other representatives of IHRC Corporation.

In his speech, Peace Ambassador Lion Mohammed Elias Sirazi emphasized that the 1952 struggle was the primary inspiration for the great Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. He also expressed gratitude to the United Nations for recognizing the significance of language in shaping national identity.

Zonal Coordinator, Mohammed Mazba Uddin, added:
“My mother tongue is my pride. Every mother tongue is connected to the human soul.”
He also highlighted the necessity of protecting the dignity of all languages worldwide.

Amir Hossain Khan underscored the importance of celebrating this day, pointing out that over 115 million people speak the Bengali language. He stressed the need for preserving, developing, and researching mother languages.

Lion Asif Ghani Chowdhury noted that language knowledge is essential for leading the world, but the mother tongue serves as a fundamental force in acquiring knowledge. Therefore, he placed great emphasis on practicing and promoting the mother language.

International Mother Language Day was established by UNESCO on November 17, 1999, and has been observed worldwide since 2000. The 25th anniversary of this observance in 2025 provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements in linguistic diversity protection and renew commitments to the promotion of mother languages.

The Chittagong celebrations were part of a global observance aimed at emphasizing the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity in building more peaceful and sustainable societies.

Reported : Dr.Mohammed Sajjad Hossain
IHRC Corporation Press Journalist, Bangladesh.

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According to findings by the commissioners of the International Human Rights Commission IHRC Corporation / Interpol Center USA, the refugees are confined in closed facilities under conditions that grossly violate basic humanitarian standards. They lack access to running water, proper sanitation, and freedom of movement. Each individual is forced to pay between 100 and 150 euros monthly to remain in these appalling conditions. Despite holding identification documents, they are forbidden from leaving the premises, effectively rendering them prisoners in a slum-like environment.

Sanitary conditions are alarming, with infectious diseases, including lice infestations, spreading rapidly among detainees. Medical care is severely restricted—in January 2025, one person tragically died due to the absence of medical assistance.

The facility is guarded by armed criminal groups consisting of Chechens, Ingush, and cooperating Georgians. The guards, armed with clubs and machetes, maintain a climate of terror and intimidation among the captives. The operation is reportedly led by a Chechen individual named Adam. According to eyewitnesses, this criminal group is not limited to holding refugees captive but also intimidates local businesses, regularly extorting money from owners.

The premises lack heating, posing a severe risk to the health and lives of elderly and vulnerable individuals, especially during winter months. Immediate intervention by health authorities and the implementation of quarantine measures is urgently required due to the epidemiological risks.

The International Human Rights Commission IHRC Corporation / Interpol Center USA continues its intensive investigative efforts to gather necessary evidence and information, which will be handed over to Polish law enforcement authorities. The situation remains dynamic, and the public expects decisive action from authorities and the immediate end to this brutal criminal enterprise.

Dawid Szablowski
Head of IHRC Corporation Press Department

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