H.E. Dr. Duru Hezekiah - ihrc.news

Int’l Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation

Dawid Szablowski — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 07:39:21 +0000

IHRC HDM Duru Hezekiah’s Keynote Message on International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2024

In 2012, the UN General Assembly designated February 6th as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), to amplify and direct the efforts on the elimination of this practice.

As part of affirmative actions to end this devastating and psychological endemic that is as old as society itself, the International Human Rights Commission-IHRC in Nigeria calls for the need to eradicate FGM in Nigeria and educate the general public at all levels with emphasis on the dangers and undesirability of FGM.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Female genital mutilation (FGM) is defined as all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia and/or injury to the female genital organs, whether for cultural or any other non-therapeutic reasons.

It is argued that FGM is widely practiced in Nigeria, and with its large population, Nigeria has the highest absolute number of cases of FGM in the world, accounting for about one-quarter of the estimated 115–130 million circumcised women worldwide.

In commemoration of the 2024 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mitigation, we stand to shed light on this pressing issue that continues to plague our society – female genital mutilation.

FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. It reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes and is an extreme form of discrimination against girls and women. It is nearly always carried out on children and is a violation of children’s rights. The practice also violates a person’s rights to health, security, and physical integrity; the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment; and the right to life, in instances when the procedure results in death.

The consequences of FGM are far-reaching and devastating. Physically, it can lead to severe pain, infections, and complications during childbirth, and even death. Emotionally and psychologically, it leaves lasting scars, causing trauma, depression, and a sense of violation. Moreover, FGM perpetuates gender inequality, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and limiting the potential of girls and women.

FGM is a practice whose origin and significance are shrouded in secrecy, uncertainty, and confusion. Its origin is fraught with controversy either as an initiation ceremony of young girls into womanhood to ensure virginity and curb promiscuity, or to protect female modesty and chastity.

Others have argued the existence of FGM as a superstitious belief practiced for the preservation of chastity and purification, family honor, hygiene, esthetic reasons, protection of virginity and prevention of promiscuity, modification of sociosexual attitudes (countering failure of a woman to attain orgasm), increasing sexual pleasure of husband, enhancing fertility and increasing matrimonial opportunities, and so on.

To combat this menace, we must adopt a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, raising awareness is crucial. Education and advocacy campaigns can help dispel myths, challenge cultural norms, and promote dialogue within communities. By engaging with religious and community leaders, we can foster understanding and encourage them to take a stand against FGM.

Secondly, legal frameworks must be strengthened and enforced. Governments should enact comprehensive legislation that explicitly criminalizes FGM and provides protection for potential victims. Law enforcement agencies should be trained to identify and respond to cases of FGM effectively.

Additionally, support services should be established to provide medical, psychological, and legal assistance to survivors.

Thirdly, empowering women and girls is paramount. By promoting gender equality, providing access to education, and creating economic opportunities, we can challenge the underlying factors that perpetuate FGM. Empowered women are more likely to reject harmful practices and become agents of change within their communities.

Lastly, international cooperation is essential. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and civil society must work together to share best practices, exchange information, and provide financial support to initiatives aimed at eradicating FGM. By joining forces, we can amplify our impact and accelerate progress towards a world free from this menace.

In conclusion, female genital mutilation is a grave violation of human rights and a menace that must be eradicated. Through awareness, legal action, empowerment, and international collaboration, we can put an end to this harmful practice. Let us stand together, united in our commitment to protect the rights and well-being of girls and women worldwide.

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah

_____________________
H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru HezekiahAmbassador-at-Large/Head of Diplomatic Mission, IHRC Nigeria.

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Renowned Philanthropist, Kingsley Nwokoma, Baggs Int’l Humanitarian Service Award

Dawid Szablowski — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 07:29:13 +0000

Renowned Philanthropist, Kingsley Nwokoma, Baggs Int’l Humanitarian Service Award

September 9, 2023
The Transnational Intergovernmental Organization – International Human Rights Commission, IHRC with headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland has honored the President of the Association of Foreign Airlines and Representatives in Nigeria, Dr. Kingsley Nwokoma, with an International Humanitarian Service Award for 2023.

From Right- IHRC Secretary-General Prof Rafal Marcin Wasik, H.E. Ambassador Dr Duru Hezekiah and Dr. Kingsley Nwokoma

In a letter conveying the award and signed by the Secretary-General of the International Human Rights Commission, IHRC, Prof. h.c. Rafal Marcin Wasik and the Head of the Diplomatic Mission, Nigeria, His Excellency, Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah stated that his selection was based on his invaluable humanitarian works over the years in upholding humanitarian interventions in Nigeria particularly in youth development.

Similarly, Dr. Kingsley Nwokoma was named one of the IHRC Stakeholders due to his act of magnanimity and support for the activities of the Special Monitoring Mission in Nigeria.

Group Photograph with Awardees

Presenting the Award at the International Conference Center on Friday 8th September 2023 in Abuja, the Secretary-General Prof. Chief Rafal Marcin Wasik commended Dr. Kingsley’s active participation in humanitarian services and policy advisory role in shaping economic growth in Nigeria, urging him to continue in such direction of changing lives.

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IHRC Special Birthday Message to Nigeria’s Head of Mission, Dr. Duru Hezekiah

Dawid Szablowski — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 23:00:21 +0000

IHRC Special Birthday Message to Nigeria’s Head of Mission, Dr. Duru Hezekiah.

August 18, 2023
The Transnational Intergovernmental Organization – International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) in Nigeria, has felicitated the Ambassador at Large and Head of the Diplomatic Mission for the International Human Rights Commission in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah on his birthday.

The Organization in a congratulatory message signed by its Head of Media and Strategic Communications, Fidelis Onakpoma, described the Ambassador at Large H.E. Dr. Duru Hezekiah, whose birthday is Friday, August 18, as a committed and visionary leader whose contributions toward the development of IHRC Nigeria remains outstanding.

He maintained that H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah is a great asset to humanity, an epitome of an exemplary leader, a peace vanguard, a technocrat, a human capacity builder, a selfless servant, and above all, the content of his character speaks volumes in his judgment as a goldfish whose qualities can never be hidden for the benefit of humanity.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EXCELLENCY SIR

Dr. Duru Hezekiah is a foremost philanthropist, a devoted Christian, and an SDG Advocate contributing to the vast development of African communities whose initiatives predominantly address the practices and systems that produce women’s oppression, underdevelopment, bad leadership, and poor education and help foster civic engagements in eradicating poverty and injustice in society.

He emphasized that Dr. Duru is not only good at negotiating and resolving conflicts, but also at creating and maintaining positive relationships, both internally and externally.

Dr. Duru Hezekiah is an experienced banker, unrepentant social advocate, and a humanitarian, whose penchant for diligence and contributions to the nation in different capacities are worth emulating.

As the Ambassador at Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission IHRC Nigeria, he has displayed pragmatic leadership with selflessness and dedication, by rendering quality service to Nigerians.

Moreover, his impressive professional journey stands as a testament to leadership and influence in shaping regional policies and implementing sustainable development initiatives. Beyond the confines of shaping policies, his literary prowess has captivated readers, weaving compelling narratives that delve deep into crucial societal issues.

His keynote messages at different times have added profound insights and inspiration to navigating underlying solutions to confronting issues in Nigeria.

Similarly, H.E. Dr. Duru Hezekiah is steadfast in defending the gains of the successful struggle to attain a recognizable level thereby paving the way for socio-economic and national development.

“Birthdays happen every year, yours every 18th August; but special persons like you who sacrifice so much to serve humanity, become our reference point, imploring us to do even more from our modest standpoint”.

“On this auspicious occasion of your birthday, we are united in supplication to God for Him to grant you continuous good health and the wisdom of Solomon, the type you have so far demonstrated in the conduct of our affairs, these past years”.

“On behalf of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), the Nigeria Central Office, and the good people of Nigeria, we join friends, associates, leaders, and members of IHRC Worldwide to congratulate H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah on his birthday.

Congratulations to our Boss!

Signed
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head, Media & Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria.

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Int’l Human Rights Commission IHRC, Visits Governor Hope Uzodimma.l

Dawid Szablowski — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 10:23:00 +0000

Int’l Human Rights Commission IHRC, Visits Governor Hope Uzodimma.

IMO STATE: A delegation from the Head of Diplomatic Mission of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, yesterday, paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Imo State, H.E. Hope Uzodimma at the State Government House Owerri.

IHRC Representatives at the courtesy visit Timnan Dapchir; Head of Public Security Oversight, and Comrade Ogueri Loyce; Special Assistant to the Head of Diplomatic Mission, intimated the Governor on the scope of work and objectives of IHRC, while issues bothering around Human Rights, Security, and Development of the State were brought into focus and critically discussed.

H.E. Hope Uzodimma (L) and Comrade Ogueri Loyce (R)

While acknowledging the Delegation from the Head of the Diplomatic Mission for IHRC Nigeria, Governor Uzodimma assured the State’s partnership and cooperation, noting that Imo State is committed to international best practices on human rights promotion and security of the State.

E-signed
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head, Media & Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria.

August 15, 2023.

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