The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation) – Nigeria Diplomatic Mission – has issued a formal appeal to all institutional and civic stakeholders ahead of the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections.

Under the leadership of H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, the Mission calls for the strict observance of transparency, accountability and full respect for human rights throughout the entire electoral cycle.

Democratic Participation as a Fundamental Right

IHRC reiterates that democratic participation constitutes a fundamental human right. The rights to vote, to stand for election, to assemble peacefully and to express political preferences without coercion are integral components of constitutional governance and international human rights standards.

These guarantees must be protected before, during and after the electoral process.

Institutional and Civic Responsibilities

IHRC outlines the following expectations:

1. Electoral Authorities
Electoral institutions are expected to ensure a free, fair, transparent and inclusive process conducted in accordance with constitutional and electoral law. Administrative neutrality and procedural integrity are essential to maintaining public confidence.

2. Security Agencies
Security services are urged to maintain professionalism, operational impartiality and strict adherence to human rights obligations while carrying out their mandate. The protection of voters and candidates must be conducted without intimidation or excessive force.

3. Political Actors and Supporters
Political stakeholders are called upon to reject violence, hate speech, voter intimidation and the dissemination of misinformation. Responsible political conduct is indispensable to electoral credibility.

4. Citizens
Voters are encouraged to exercise their civic rights peacefully and responsibly, contributing to a stable and participatory democratic environment.

Elections as a Democratic Consolidation Mechanism

IHRC stresses that elections must not serve as catalysts for instability. Instead, they should reinforce democratic governance, strengthen institutional trust and advance inclusive development within the Federal Capital Territory.

Through its Special Monitoring Mission, IHRC will continue to observe developments within its mandate area and promote dialogue, peaceful engagement and compliance with constitutional and electoral provisions.

The forthcoming elections in Abuja represent an opportunity to demonstrate institutional maturity, electoral credibility and peaceful coexistence within the framework of the Nigeria constitutional order.

Signed
H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah
Ambassador-at-Large
Head of Diplomatic Mission
International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation), Nigeria

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DEHIOWITA, SRI LANKA — In response to the recent national disaster, the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation) has taken a leading role in coordinating large-scale humanitarian assistance across affected regions of Sri Lanka, working in close partnership with local community leaders and volunteer networks.

On 3 December 2025, the International Human Rights Commission joined forces with the Embilipitiya “Senehasa” Benevolent Forum and local community representatives to deliver essential humanitarian relief to displaced families in Dehiowita and Thalduwa. The mission resulted in the distribution of dry rations and emergency supplies valued at over LKR 2.5 million, directly supporting families impacted by the disaster.

The Power of Collective Humanity

The humanitarian operation was coordinated by Mr. Pradeep Kumara Rathnayake, IHRC Volunteer Coordinator, who underlined that the success of the mission was rooted in collective civic responsibility rather than individual effort.

“The youth and residents of Embilipitiya worked together as one family, treating every affected person as their own brother or sister. Their selfless dedication formed the backbone of this mission.” Mr. Rathnayake stated.

Local volunteers played a critical role in logistics, distribution, and on-the-ground coordination, ensuring that aid reached those most in need efficiently and with dignity.

A United Front for Future Relief Efforts

Addressing volunteers and community partners, Mr. Rathnayake reaffirmed that the IHRC Special Monitoring Mission will remain fully engaged in future emergency responses, standing alongside local communities during times of national crisis.

The International Human Rights Commission reiterated its commitment to safeguarding human dignity, solidarity, and humanitarian principles, emphasizing that community-led cooperation remains central to effective disaster response and recovery.

Reported by:
Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake
Commissioner of Sri Lanka
Investigative Journalist – IHRC News
International Human Rights Commission

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Over 42,000 Affected as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Nigeria’s North-East

Adamawa State, Nigeria – 5 August 2025

Disaster Assessment Reveals Scale of Tragedy

The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Corporation Nigeria has released a comprehensive disaster report following severe flooding across six Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Adamawa State: Yola South, Yola North, Numan, Demsa, Girei, and Lamurde. The crisis has left 6,732 households affected, 42,118 individuals impacted, 27 confirmed fatalities, 74 injured, and over 15,000 displaced, now seeking refuge in IDP camps and host communities.

The findings, based on a Rapid Needs and Risk Assessment conducted on 30 July 2025 by the IHRC Special Monitoring Mission, in collaboration with Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), DAWOS Foundation, AB Haske Foundation, and local authorities, document widespread destruction of homes, farmland, sanitation, and increasing risks of gender-based violence, disease outbreaks, and food insecurity.

IHRC Humanitarian Response and Partnerships

IHRC deployed emergency teams to deliver urgent relief, including:

• Distribution of Non-Food Items (NFIs) to over 850 households: blankets, dignity kits, mosquito nets, utensils,
• Essential medications for malaria, typhoid, and infections, in partnership with local health agencies,
• Psychosocial and protection support – including group therapy for women, children, and the elderly.

“The spirit of cooperation and urgency shown by Adamawa State officials is deeply commendable. Their partnership with IHRC ensured that thousands of affected citizens received not just attention but real assistance. This is a model worthy of national replication.”
— Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu, National Coordinator, IHRC Special Monitoring Mission Nigeria

Leadership Commendations and Strategic Appeal

His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, Head of IHRC Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, described the flood disaster as a part of a growing national emergency. He urged strategic, rights-based, and united responses:

“What we see in Adamawa is not isolated. Floods are recurring and threatening multiple states across Nigeria. This demands a coordinated, strategic, and rights-based national response.”

Ambassador Duru also:

• Commended the IHRC North-East team for their exemplary work,
• Called for deeper institutional cooperation between government and humanitarian actors,
• Urged joint flood mitigation and early warning systems, and investment in recovery and preparedness.

“Let this be a turning point—where the government and IHRC work shoulder-to-shoulder to prevent avoidable suffering and build a Nigeria where disaster response is swift, coordinated, and dignified.”

Key Humanitarian and Recovery Priorities Identified

IHRC highlights the following urgent needs:

• Food assistance for displaced families,
• Restoration of clean water and sanitation infrastructure,
• Provision of safe, durable shelters,
• Sustained psychosocial support,
• Livelihood restoration and income generation.

Additional recommendations:

• Improved access and logistics for aid agencies in hard-to-reach regions,
• Long-term investment in flood mitigation, climate awareness, and disaster preparedness.

A Call for Systemic Reform and Shared Accountability

The 2025 Adamawa flood disaster is a stark reminder of the fragility of communities amid climate change. Through coordinated assessments and field interventions, IHRC is committed to advocacy and direct support for affected populations.

IHRC now calls on federal and state governments, international donors, and civil society to seize this moment for systemic humanitarian reform, resilience building, and shared accountability.

Reported by:

Fidelis Onakpoma
IHRC Head of Media and Strategic Communications Nigeria

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Honouring Nigeria’s Democratic Heroes and the Ongoing Struggle for Good Governance

Abuja, Nigeria – 12 June 2025

Celebrating Democracy: A Tribute to Leadership and Legacy

As Nigerians across the country commemorate June 12 Democracy Day, the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) in Nigeria has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering commitment to democratic ideals, social justice, and good governance. President Tinubu is described by IHRC as a “symbol of resilience and continuity” in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Official Acknowledgement and Historical Reflection

This message was conveyed in an official letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signed by Ambassador (Dr.) Duru Hezekiah, Country Head of IHRC Nigeria.
The letter praised President Tinubu’s role in the pro-democracy struggle of the 1990s and his advocacy for civil liberties during one of Nigeria’s most turbulent eras.

“Today, we remember June 12 not just as a date in our history but as a testament to the Nigerian people’s will to determine their future. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sacrifices, dating back to the dark days of military rule, remain etched in the democratic fabric of our nation.”
– Official IHRC Statement

President Tinubu’s Enduring Legacy

President Tinubu—a former Senator and Governor of Lagos State—was a prominent member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), the movement that resisted military rule after the annulment of the 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by Chief M.K.O. Abiola.
IHRC praised Tinubu’s legacy of defending electoral integrity and democratic values, even during periods of exile, at great personal risk.

Recognising Progress and Charting the Future

IHRC further acknowledged President Tinubu’s strides in governance since taking office in May 2023, with a focus on:

• Economic reform
• Youth empowerment
• Institutional accountability

“While the challenges before the nation remain considerable—ranging from insecurity to economic disparity—President Tinubu’s political courage and reform-driven agenda are commendable. As a human rights institution, we urge his administration to continue advancing policies that reflect equity, inclusion, and justice for all Nigerians.”
– IHRC Nigeria

June 12: A Symbol of Democratic Aspirations

June 12, officially Nigeria’s Democracy Day since 2018, commemorates the annulled 1993 election, widely recognised as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history.
The day honours the memory of Chief M.K.O. Abiola and all Nigerians who fought for the restoration of democratic rule.

A Call to All Stakeholders

IHRC calls on:

• Government officials
• Civil society groups
• Traditional leaders
• All citizens

to use the occasion of June 12 to recommit to the founding principles of democracy: accountability, freedom, and respect for human rights.

“Let June 12 not only be a day of remembrance, but a day of recommitment. The spirit of that election must live on in how we govern, how we protect human rights, and how we build the Nigeria we all dream of.”
– IHRC Nigeria

Issued by:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

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