The Special Monitoring Mission of the International Human Rights Commission-IHRC in Imo State on Wednesday 17, July 2024 commemorated the United Nations Day of Justice under the Distinguished Chairmanship of Rev. Fr. Izuchukwu Marcel Onyeocha, Professor of Philosophy Imo State University.
The epoch event with the sub-topic “Justice and Human Rights: A Panacea for Peace in Imo State took place at Rock-View Hotel Owerri and was well attended by various human rights stakeholders such as the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Imo State Commissioner of Police, Director of Department of State Security (DSS), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS), Nigeria Security Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).
Others include the National Orientation Agency (NOA), National Human Rights Commission (NHR), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Student Union Government (SUG) Imo State University, Religious and Traditional Heads, Civil Society Organizations and the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ).
In an opening remark by the National Coordinator of the IHRC’s Special Monitoring Mission, Engr. Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu, conveyed the anecdote of the Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, commending the Executive Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma and other stakeholders who are working to ensure all people have access to justice processes in Imo State.
He said international standards recognize access to justice as both a basic human right and a means to protect other universally recognized human rights, thereby urging participants to actively participate in the discussions, sharing their valuable insights and recommendations.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. COC Akolisa, who was represented by Hon. Chief Val. Mbamalu mentioned that Imo state under Governor Hope’s administration has been upbeat in the affairs of Justice and Human Rights.
Goodwill messages from Dr. Wilcox Idaminabo, Director DSS; the Commissioner of Police ably represented by ACP Kolo David, OC State CID; the State Controller of Corrections Service ably represented by Onyeike Promise; Dr. Mercy Nwosu, Deputy Director/HOD Program at NOA; alongside other stakeholders envisaged collaborative efforts towards building people-centered justice systems, combating crime and corruption, and defending human rights.
Furthermore, Chetachi Success Udeh Esq in her keynote message bemoaned the marginalization and violence against women, attributing the non-domiciled VAPP Act in Imo State to the bedrock of injustice particularly against women and children.
According to her, investing in women and accelerating progress towards a more equitable and sustainable future for all, where women are active participants in decision-making processes, have access to quality education and healthcare, and are free from all forms of discrimination and violence should be an overarching goal of any government.
Meanwhile, discussants during the event also harp on promoting the rule of law through a highly consultative approach to the delivery of independent, professional technical assistance, working with justice sector colleagues, and local stakeholders to develop programs that are responsive to the needs and interests of Imo citizens.
The discussants were Barr. Okoroji Ihunayachukwu, Snr. Legal Officer NHRC; Mrs. Marjorie Ezihe, Executive Director Sisters With A Goal Initiative; Rev. Ishaya Inuwa, Executive Director International Organization for Social Justice; Mr. Chinedu Anyafulu, Principal Intelligence Officer NAPTIP; and Comrade Okwaraji Chidera, SUG President Imo State University.
The occasion also featured a presentation of H.E. Dr. Duru Hezekiah’s book on International Humanitarian Law and Armed Conflicts: An African Perspective to respective stakeholders and a “Community Service Award” to Barr. Ambassador Oluchukwu Ijere, Chetachi Success Udeh Esq, and Mrs. Marjorie Ezihe, in recognition of their selfless services to the defense of human rights.
Reported:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria
