The day began with a series of educational activities where the children learnt important lessons from different areas of knowledge. There were also hands-on activities – the children were given stationery items such as notebooks, pens and writing slates to support their learning.

One of the most exciting moments for the participants was the scientific approach to preparing ice cream. This creative task not only provided the children with new knowledge, but was also great fun. Afterwards, the children had the opportunity to express themselves through colouring, which brought them a lot of joy and satisfaction.

“Today’s event was a special day, full of smiles and positive energy. Seeing the children develop their talents and enjoy learning is our greatest reward,” said Rev Kailash Kuriya.

The event also received widespread community support, with many participants highlighting their involvement at the event with IHRC badges. “We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the day, and a special thanks goes to all those who supported our activities. We also thank the Lord for the opportunity to work for the IHRC and bring help where it is needed most,” added Madhu Kuriya.

This event is another example of how the IHRC’s work is improving the lives and education of children, and the importance of supporting local communities through practical educational initiatives. Thanks to the commitment of volunteers and the support of the community, children in Kalyanpuri can enjoy a better start to their future.

Reported:
Dawid Szablowski
Head of IHRC Press Department

The post Educational Joy for Children first appeared on ihrc.news.

During the event, which took place on 28 July, children were rewarded for their achievements with various gifts. The best participants received eight prizes, others six, five or four. Gifts included notebooks, pens, diaries and pictures. The organisers also provided refreshments for all present, which was much appreciated by the local community.

The event received a lot of support from IHRC representatives, including IHRC Secretary General Prof.H.C. Rafal Marcin Wasik, H.E. Jaroslaw Tatarowski (MVC). Bishop H.E. Samsher Khan, IHRC Peace Ambassador and IHRC Special Editor for Asia, expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the initiative.
“I thank God for the opportunity to work with the International Human Rights Commission. With the support of our team, we were able to conduct this worthwhile event that brought much joy and benefit to the children of Bihar” – Bishop H.E. Samsher Khan said.

Thanks to the joint efforts of the IHRC volunteers and the local community, the children of Bihar had the opportunity not only to learn and have fun, but also to develop their skills and interests. “It was a great day for all the participants. We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the organisation of this competition and supported our efforts to educate and develop children” – Bishop H.E. Samsher Khan added.

The IHRC continues to advocate for human rights, education and support for local communities, and initiatives such as the one in Bihar are proof of how much can be achieved through collaboration and shared commitment.

Bishop H.E Samsher Khan
IHRC Peace Ambassador
MNVC SMM IHRC
Asian Special Editor

The post General Knowledge Competition for Children first appeared on ihrc.news.

The South-West Regional Coordinator for the Special Monitoring Mission, Comrade Atobaje Oluwagbenga David disclosed that more light was shared on what are Human Rights, educated some set of secondary school students, and emphasized the 30 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Convener of the Yettycherry Initiative Yetunde Lawani, also admonished students to uphold the knowledge from the seminar.

Reported:
Comrade Atobaje Oluwagbenga David

Editorial:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria.

[envira-gallery id=”6582″]

The post IHRC, Yettycherry Initiative Campaign on Human Rights first appeared on ihrc.news.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Delta State Command, has reiterated its commitment to partner with the International Human Rights Commission-IHRC in curbing the alarming drug abuse challenging our society.

The assurances were made by the State Commander CN Abubakar Wada Esq on Wednesday during a courtesy call visit to the Command by the Special Monitoring Mission of the International Human Rights Commission-IHRC in the South-South Region Nigeria led by Fidelis Onakpoma.

Fidelis in his opening remark, conveyed the commendation of the IHRC’s Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah to the Commander for his unwavering commitment to the war against drug menace in the state since his resumption of duty in Delta State, and also acknowledged the counseling and rehabilitation services being rendered by the Delta State Command, as he has first-hand seen drug dependent persons who have been transformed after being at the facility.

He noted that the International Human Rights Commission-IHRC is a Transnational Intergovernmental Organization with headquarters in Zurich Switzerland and a Nigeria Diplomatic Office in Abuja, stressing that the Organization’s Special Monitoring Mission scope of activities is but not limited to community services, advocacy, and campaigns, sensitization and training, and monitoring/ensuring of human rights compliance.

While urging the Commander to continue in his good fight against drug abuse, he further prayed for more poignant collaboration between the Agency and the Commission particularly in the areas of sensitization and advocacy programs which the Command often embarks.

The State commander in his response, expressed his gratitude to the IHRC’s Head of Diplomatic Mission and its National Coordinator for the Special Monitoring Mission in Nigeria, Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu as well as the Team who came visiting.

He reiterated the Agency’s readiness to synergize with the IHRC towards achieving a more drug-free Delta in compliance with human rights laws.

Reported:
Comrade Emmanuel Ogunti
IHRC SMM, Delta State.

Editorial:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria.
NGA.15.05.2024

The post NDLEA, IHRC Reiterates Partnership Against Drug Abuse first appeared on ihrc.news.

The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has been hailed by the International Human Rights Commission-IHRC, for investing in youth talent development, describing his administration as inclusive as it effectively serves and engages all people, essential to advancing democratic values, including peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity, human rights and equality before the law.

The commendation was made yesterday at Asaba, during a courtesy call visit by the Special Monitoring Mission of the International Human Rights Commission-IHRC in Delta State, led by Fidelis Onakpoma, to the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Talent Development, Ambassador Ugagaoghene Ogheneyole.

He said when it comes to a country’s economic growth, investing in youth talent development plays a key role and helps to drive economic development and social progress.

“Young people represent the future of Delta State and are key to driving economic growth and development. By investing in their talent development, the Governor is building a strong talent pipeline that can meet the needs of high-demand sectors, fill the talent gap, and contribute to the country’s progress”.

He urged the SSA to assimilate Governor Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E. Agenda to consistently reflect the dynamism, innovative zeal, and unyielding productivity that are synonymous with the young people of Delta, allowing them to confidently enter the labor market and secure employment and contribute to the economy.

“We stand with you in collaboration and look forward to witnessing continued positive change you will both bring to our dear State and beyond”, he maintained.

The post IHRC Hails Governor Oborevwori’s Strides on Youth Investment first appeared on ihrc.news.

…As Stakeholders Harp on Synergy of Actors in Activism

Stakeholders have expressed concern about consolidating and sustaining human rights into the future, highlighted crucial challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in discharging their duties, and called for synergy between actors to ensure fundamental human rights of citizens are not compromised.

The Special Monitoring Mission of the International Human Rights Commission-IHRC South/South Region reports that the various stakeholders comprising the Police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigeria Army, including the Delta State University Abraka, and other Civil Rights Groups spoke at her 2023 end of year Human Rights Stakeholders Summit on Saturday in Abraka Delta State.

The various stakeholders expressed concern over the development, with an emphasis that the summit will help to develop a comprehensive experience of human rights advocacy hinged to provide creative, concrete knowledge of how to use international and regional human rights treaties and enforcement mechanisms in their work for the protection and promotion of human rights.

They bemoaned the non-compliance to human rights laws, particularly from those who are entrusted to protect and uphold them, ranging from the home, community leaders, political actors, and law enforcement agencies while anticipating the integration of knowledge in the fields of politics, economics, cultural diversity, gender issues, security, and socio-psychology in the context of human rights.

Fidelis Onakpoma, the Regional Coordinator for IHRC Special Monitoring Mission South-South Region, in his opening remark, commended various stakeholders for participating in the one-day human rights summit, imploring them on the need for effective collaboration towards consolidating and sustaining human rights into the future.

He said IHRC was deeply concerned about synergy’s approach and the application of a comprehensive experience of human rights advocacy on how to use international and regional human rights treaties and enforcement mechanisms in their work for the protection and promotion of human rights.

He explained that tertiary institutions, human rights educators, activists, law enforcement officers, lawyers, women activists, research officers, leaders, members of coalitions and networks, staff of NGOs and CBOs, volunteers, development actors, trainers, and students, participated in the summit.

“As stakeholders, we will leverage our partnerships by creating awareness, and implementing enforceable regulations that can help in reducing human rights violations in our communities”.

CP Wale Abass, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, commended IHRC’s idea on the one-day stakeholders engagement, assuring the stakeholders of the Police’s commitment to the quest for any cause that would consolidate human rights into the future.

The CP who was ably represented by the DPO of Abraka Police Station SP Fabian Efehi Ayameh, stressed that the alarming consequences that have emerged due to non-compliance to human rights cannot be ignored.

He noted that apart from human rights actors being worried about the situation, citizens are getting perturbed that their fundamental human rights are being compromised gradually while appropriate government agencies look the other way.

“But through this summit, information sharing and fruitful exchange of ideas on enforceable and emergency response, considered to bolster human rights compliance and effectively address any human rights related incidents that may occur, will be established, courtesy of the International Human Rights Commission-IHRC”.

The Commissioner of Police further said that training programs, and capacity building for policemen and paramilitaries working with the Nigeria Police such as the Vigilante and Anti-cult, will be implemented to enhance their mode of operation in compliance with human rights laws.

“The fundamental human rights of our citizens are non-negotiable, and we will leave no stone unturned in protecting their lives,” he said.

Similarly, the State Commander of NDLEA Delta State Command, Barr. Abubakar Wada, represented by ASN. Cletus Nduka Ndubuisi said there was a need for all stakeholders to double their efforts, not only in the area of collaboration but also in enlightenment.

Prof. Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyega, Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University Abraka (DELSU), represented by Prof. Ben Nwane also stressed the need for synergy and collaboration between all the stakeholders.

He noted that DELSU under the indefatigable leadership of Prof. Andy Egwunyega has attained milestone achievements with compliance to human rights laws such as gender equality, no sex for grade, sexual harassment policy, inclusion, and good governance, to mention but a few.

DELSU had a lot of implementable and enforceable policies safeguarding fundamental human rights, adding that their efforts to consolidate and sustain human rights into the future of the institution remain unwavering.

Pastor (Comr.) Edewor Egedegbe, Chairman Human Rights Protection Congress, asserted that as much as we ensure that more people comply with human rights laws, as we hold our abusers accountable, the issue of education and enlightenment of the public cannot be overemphasized.

“By advocating for sustainable practices, formulating effective policies, and strengthening the capacities of the state, we strive to mitigate the human rights violations in our state”, he hinted.

In his recommendations on what should be done to consolidate and sustain human rights into the future, he submitted that:
1. Citizens should be responsible for supporting and providing reliable information to security agencies in a bid to ensure peaceful co-existence.
2. Community leaders should not aid and abate criminals in their community for selfish reasons because a peaceful community is a potential community for development.
3. Security agencies should earn citizens’ trust through their actions, and not make themselves enemies of the people they intend to protect through oppression, violation of constitutional rights, extortion, etc.

4. Security agents should not allow themselves to be used to undermine the laws of the land/court orders by political office holders and money bags, for their selfish interest thereby neglecting the rule of law in a democratic dispensation where the office of the citizen is the highest in the land.
5. Government should ensure and make adequate provision for the well-being of its citizens and security personnel, and should not use “the people’s power” vested in them against the wishes and aspirations of the people.
6. Patriotism should take center stage for all citizens whether officers or citizens alike and not engage in parochialism and bigotry.

Issued:
Fidelis Onakpoma,
Head, Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria.
December 31, 2023

The post Human Rights’ Stakeholders Harp on Synergy of Actors in Activism first appeared on ihrc.news.

Adding: “IHRC honors individuals like you for their “outstanding achievements in community development and leadership”, contributing consistently and uncompromisingly to
supporting Humanitarian initiatives in Delta State.”

The organisation said recently, in her first median edition held on September 5, 2023, at ICC Abuja, Former Nigeria President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the Governor of Benue State, Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN, Executive Secretary to the National Christian Pilgrim Commission, President of the Association of Foreign Airlines and Representatives in Nigeria, Chief of Staff to the Former Deputy Senate President, Diplomatic Corps, and Government Representatives were in attendance.

“Similarly, you have been profiled for this prestigious honor for the second median edition,” the letter added.

The programe/award ceremony with theme: ‘The Future is Human Rights’ will hold on the 23rd of December, 2023 at Riodes Hotel, Abraka.

Reacting, Daniel Eniator, said the nomination was a welcome development, adding that “the award is dear to me since it is coming from a noble organisation. It will spur me to do more.”

The post Dan Eniator Nominated by Switzerland-Based Organization’s ‘World Humanitarian Icon Award’ in Delta first appeared on ihrc.news.

Present at the program were the Sri Lankan National Volunteers Coordinator of the International Human Rights Commission of Sri Lankan, Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake, Nalin Darshan, Charminda Nisantha, Dhammika Sisira Kumara, Harrison Somesiri, Mr. Satyavel Babudaran, and Hemantha Vitharana.

Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake urged participants of the program that children should be the best thing in their lives, and should not limit it to one day only, but should dedicate themselves to the children every day.

This special nutrition and awareness program was held at Nadalagamuwa Rahula Maha Vidyalaya in Kurunegala District, North West Province of Sri Lanka and 460 students and teachers of that college participated. Full organizational strength for this program was provided by Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation and about two lakhs of Sri Lankan currency had been spent on this program.

Reported by:
Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake.
IHRC SMM National Coordinator, Sri Lankan.

Editorial
Fidelis Onakpoma
Editor-in-Chief for the International Human Rights Commission IHRC, Switzerland

The post IHRC Supports Sri Lankan School Children with Special Nutrition Programs first appeared on ihrc.news.

As a voluntary assistance program of the Special Monitoring Mission of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC SMM), on September 16, 2023, the Officials of the Special Monitoring Mission in Sri Lanka organized an eye clinic and a program to provide free spectacles to the senior citizens of Sri Lanka.

Accordingly, Mr. Satyavel Babudaran, the Sri Lankan National Volunteer Coordinator of the International Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake, Ms. Sakura Wasanthi, Kaweesha Sanjana, and Udara Ratnayake participated at the event.

Also, Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake asked the participants of the clinic that senior citizens should not be left alone but protecting them should be the ultimate duty of man.

This eye clinic and free spectacles distribution program was held at Dankotuwa Abaya Sinharama Temple in Puttalam District, North West Province of Sri Lanka and the necessary health clinics were provided to senior citizens in 10 villages of Dankotuwa Divisional Secretariat with the help of Sri Lanka’s expert resources.

Meanwhile, spectacles and health equipment worth three and a half lakh Sri Lankan currency were distributed.

Reported by:
Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake.

Editorial:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Editor-in-Chief for the International Human Rights Commission IHRC
October 3, 2023

The post IHRC Supports Sri Lanka’s Senior Citizens with Specialized Eye Health Clinics first appeared on ihrc.news.

September 30, 2023

As part of the voluntary support program of the Special Monitoring Mission of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC SMM), on September 20, 2023, the Officials of the Special Monitoring Mission in Sri Lanka organized a program to provide knowledge to school students for the Matriculation Bar Exam.

Mr. Satyavel Babudaran, the Sri Lankan National Volunteers Coordinator (NVC) of the International Human Rights Commission in Sri Lanka, alongside Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake, Hemantha Witharana, Dhammika Sisira Kumara, Nalin Darshana Mallavarachchi, Amaradasa Dilankarachchi, Sadeva Amaradasa participated in this event.

Meanwhile, Mr. Harrison Somesiri and Mr. Udara Ratnayake urged the children to focus on education and avoid anti-social behavior.

The seminar was held at Giri/Labbala Maha Vidyalaya in Giriulla Education Zone in North West Province of Sri Lanka and all the children of six schools in Giriulla Education Zone were given the necessary knowledge with the contribution of Sri Lanka’s expert resource persons.

The school students were given the required sets of educational question papers, and the types of food required on that day.

Reported:
Dr. Chrrishantha Dissanayake.

Editorial
Fidelis Onakpoma
Editor-in-Chief for the International Human Rights Commission IHRC

The post IHRC Supports School Children in Sri Lanka’s Educational Scholarship Entrance Examination first appeared on ihrc.news.