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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Abuja, Nigeria – 11 December 2025
The Federal Government of Nigeria and the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation) have reinforced their long-standing collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) during a high-level diplomatic visit to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja. The engagement marks a renewed phase of operational synergy in Nigeria’s national anti-trafficking efforts.

The IHRC delegation was led by H.E. Ambassador (Dr.) Hezekiah Duru, Ambassador-at-Large and Head of the Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria. The visit aligned with IHRC Corporation’s ongoing reforms and restructuring, following the relocation of its global headquarters from Switzerland to the United States — a strategic shift aimed at expanding the Commission’s humanitarian reach and strengthening global coordination mechanisms.

During the meeting, IHRC reaffirmed the validity of the 2020 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Commission and NAPTIP. Ambassador Duru noted that the renewed engagement reflects both institutions’ commitment to enhancing technical cooperation, strengthening rescue capabilities, and accelerating the response against trafficking and exploitation.

A key highlight of the discussion was IHRC’s recent joint rescue operation in Taraba State, conducted in collaboration with NAPTIP operatives, which resulted in the recovery of 17 victims of human trafficking. Ambassador Duru emphasized that such interventions demonstrate the practical value of inter-agency collaboration and the need to reinvigorate long-standing partnerships across Nigeria’s anti-trafficking landscape.

The delegation also raised concerns regarding groups falsely claiming affiliation with IHRC. Ambassador Duru outlined the Commission’s operational structure in Nigeria, comprising over 1,500 volunteers, coordinated through State and Regional Coordinators, a National Volunteers Coordinator, and the Head of Mission. This structure, he noted, ensures accountability, rapid response and nationwide operational capacity.

In response, NAPTIP Director-General, Binta L. Adamu Bello, commended IHRC’s continued support to national anti-trafficking efforts. She acknowledged the operational relevance of the existing MoU and confirmed that the agency’s technical department would conduct a full review to update and strengthen the document accordingly.

NAPTIP officials further requested verification documents to address impersonation concerns. Ambassador Duru confirmed that IHRC would provide the required materials promptly, adding that IHRC remains an independent global humanitarian organisation, supported by partners and individual donors, and is not funded by any government.

The meeting also underscored the historical continuity of IHRC’s engagement in Nigeria, recalling the earlier official visit of Prof. h.c. Rafal Marcin Wasik, Secretary-General of the IHRC Corporation. The longstanding cooperation, the delegation noted, reflects IHRC’s sustained commitment to supporting Nigerian institutions in combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable populations.

The visit concluded with a symbolic gift presentation to NAPTIP’s Director-General, followed by an official photograph session — marking a renewed chapter of collaboration in Nigeria’s fight against trafficking and exploitation.

Reporter:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head, Media and Strategic Communications, IHRC Nigeria

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Rajgangpur, Odisha – 10 December 2025

On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, members of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation) and the National Human Rights Organization (NHRO), Rajgangpur Chapter, carried out a humanitarian and educational programme at Shanti Child Care Center in Ranibandh, focusing on dignity, protection and the empowerment of children.

Human Rights Day, observed globally on 10 December, commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. The 2025 observance highlighted the theme “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials”, emphasising the universal right to education, safety and equal opportunity.

Community Support Programme at Shanti Child Care Center

The local IHRC–NHRO team organised a comprehensive outreach initiative that combined humanitarian assistance with awareness-raising activities:

• distribution of notebooks, pencils, scales, sweets, biscuits, chocolates and Vaseline to the children;
• donation of a new washing machine to the centre, supporting its daily operations and improving sanitary conditions;
• an educational session led by Mohammed Naushad, President of NHRO, who discussed the meaning of human rights in everyday life and the importance of protection and dignity for every child.

The programme gathered the children residing at the centre, allowing them to participate in learning activities and receive essential supplies aimed at improving their well-being.

Participants and Community Engagement

The event was attended by community representatives and volunteers, including:

• Mohammed Naushad – President, NHRO and IHRC Press Journalist
• Sheikh Wasim Raza Khan
• Hemant Kumar Singh
• Manjeet Singh Saluj
• Pooja Sahu – Guest of Honour
• Priyadarshini Bhoi – Guest of Honour
• Sharat Kumar Pati

Photographs from the event show active interaction between volunteers and children, the presentation of educational materials, and the ceremonial handover of the donated washing machine.

Human Rights in Action: A Grassroots Perspective

This initiative reflects IHRC Corporation’s mission to promote, educate and uphold human rights at both institutional and community levels. While international forums focus on policy, local actions such as the programme at Shanti Child Care Center demonstrate how practical support can improve living conditions and awareness among vulnerable groups.

By combining education, material support and community involvement, the Rajgangpur event exemplifies a human-centred approach to advocacy that IHRC Corporation continues to strengthen globally.

Reported by:

Md Naushad
SMM IHRC India Regional Volunteers Coordinator
IHRC Press Journalist

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Baddhegama, Southern Province, Sri Lanka – 10 August 2025

The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation), in strategic partnership with the Sri Hela Cultural Cooperation Foundation (SHCCF), has successfully conducted a comprehensive training programme for pre-school teachers across the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. The initiative forms part of a broader island-wide campaign titled “Quality Education and the Child”, dedicated to advancing early childhood education and promoting the fundamental right to education as enshrined in Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

The training was held at the Baddhegama Pradeshiya Sabha Auditorium, organised upon the official invitation of the Southern Provincial Ministry of Education. The programme brought together pre-school educators from municipal and local council institutions operating within the Baddhegama Divisional Secretariat.

Promoting the Child’s Right to Education and Well-Being

The workshop emphasised that access to quality early childhood education is a core human right, essential to the holistic development of every child. Trainers highlighted several priority areas aligned with IHRC’s global educational mandate:

• Recognising individual child capacities and developmental needs, ensuring that no child is left behind regardless of socio-economic background or learning differences.
• Implementing child-centred, inclusive pedagogical methods, consistent with international standards for early childhood development (ECD).
• Fostering safe, supportive, and nurturing learning environments, in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
• Strengthening the professional capacity of pre-school educators, empowering them to serve as frontline actors in protecting and promoting human rights through education.

This initiative directly contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4): Quality Education, with a particular focus on equitable access to early learning and teacher training.

Leadership, Coordination and Key Participants

The programme was coordinated by Mrs. Madhavi Bandara, IHRC Regional Coordinator and Consultant at the Sri Hela Higher Education Academy, demonstrating IHRC’s operational commitment to education at the grassroots level.

A keynote address on behalf of both IHRC and SHCCF was delivered by
Mrs. Chandani Subasinghe, National Coordinator of the Early Childhood Development Project, who stressed the importance of aligning local pre-school systems with global human rights and educational standards.

The event gathered an eminent group of stakeholders, educators and institutional representatives, including:

• Mrs. Madhavi Bandara, IHRC Regional Coordinator & Consultant, Sri Hela Higher Education Academy
• Mrs. Chandrani Gunasinghe
• Mr. Vihanga Dayawansa
• Mrs. Nilanthi Hettiarachchi
• Representatives of the United Nations Association of Sri Lanka, including
  • Dr. Ravi Naggarajah
  • Mrs. Wanchali Rathnayake

Their presence highlighted a unified commitment to strengthening early childhood education across Sri Lanka through cooperation among civil society, educational institutions and human rights bodies.

Advancing IHRC’s Educational Mission in Sri Lanka

Through this programme, IHRC Corporation underscores its long-standing global mission to:

• Promote universal access to education, without discrimination;
• Support governments and local partners in strengthening educational systems;
• Empower teachers as essential contributors to human rights protection;
• Build sustainable frameworks for child development and wellbeing.

The event in Baddhegama is one of several nationwide activities planned under the IHRC–SHCCF partnership, aiming to elevate teaching standards and ensure that every child in Sri Lanka benefits from an inclusive, rights-based educational environment.

Reported by:

Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake
Commissioner – Sri Lanka, International Human Rights Commission
Investigative Journalist – IHRC Alliance

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President Trump’s remarks should inspire Nigeria to act decisively in protecting its citizens and rebuilding international trust

ABUJA, Nigeria — November 2025.
The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation) has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to treat recent remarks by U.S. President Donald J. Trump on the country’s security crisis as a call for urgent leadership and constructive engagement — not as an attack on the nation’s image.

In a statement endorsed by Prof. h.c. Rafal Marcin Wasik, IHRC Corporation Secretary-General, Peacemaker, the Commission emphasised that Nigeria’s current challenges demand unity, responsible governance, and immediate international coordination to prevent further humanitarian tragedy.

“When human life is endangered, silence is not neutrality — it is neglect,” said Prof. h.c. Rafal Marcin Wasik, IHRC Corporation Secretary-General, Peacemaker. “Nigeria’s leadership must rise above political divisions to protect all citizens equally and to demonstrate to the world that Africa’s largest democracy stands firm for peace, human dignity, and justice.”

President Trump reportedly described the escalating violence and targeted killings in parts of Nigeria as “acts of genocide”, prompting intense global debate. The IHRC stated that while such remarks may appear harsh, they should be interpreted as a wake-up call for decisive action rather than an affront to the nation’s image.

IHRC: Leadership must turn criticism into action

Through its Ambassador-at-Large and Head of Mission in Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Hezekiah Duru, the Commission reaffirmed that even criticism, when rooted in humanitarian concern, should serve as a catalyst for reflection and reform.

“Innocent Nigerians — Christians, Muslims, and those of no faith — continue to suffer death, displacement, and trauma as a result of terrorism and armed banditry,” Ambassador Duru stated. “The Government must act decisively to prevent deeper diplomatic mistrust and further national trauma.”

The IHRC underlined that persistent insecurity across the North, Middle Belt, and South East exposes critical gaps in citizen protection. It urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to view President Trump’s remarks as a challenge to rebuild public confidence and restore Nigeria’s global standing.

Diplomatic engagement and institutional reform

The Commission encouraged Nigeria’s newly appointed security chiefs to adopt intelligence-driven, preventive strategies, warning that waiting for attacks before responding only deepens instability.

“You cannot sleep under a burning roof and expect to wake up whole,” the IHRC noted. “The time to act is now — before isolated violence hardens into a national crisis.”

It called for strengthened collaboration with the United States, the European Union, the United Nations, ECOWAS, and the African Union, stressing that coordinated diplomacy is essential to confronting terrorism and displacement.

“Diplomatic silence during global scrutiny may be mistaken for indifference,” the Commission warned. “Transparent dialogue with allies will reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to peace and human rights.”

Proposal for a High-Level Diplomatic Advisory Council

To enhance credibility and trust, IHRC proposed the establishment of a High-Level Diplomatic Advisory Council, composed of senior statesmen, jurists, and international relations experts. Such a council, the Commission stated, would guide Nigeria’s strategic engagement with global partners and demonstrate its seriousness in rebuilding national and international confidence.

Human rights and constitutional guarantees

The Commission reminded that Section 38(1) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution — alongside the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) — guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

“These must remain living principles, not dormant clauses,” the statement read, noting that unchecked terrorism and kidnappings continue to undermine national stability and trust abroad.

Ambassador Duru reaffirmed that Nigeria must lead its own rescue mission through stronger institutions, interfaith dialogue, transparent governance, and a renewed commitment to the sanctity of human life.

“The world is watching,” he said. “Inaction only fuels misinformation and external interference.”

A message from the IHRC Corporation Secretary-General

Prof. h.c. Rafal Marcin Wasik, IHRC Corporation Secretary-General, Peacemaker, reiterated the Commission’s readiness to cooperate with Nigerian authorities and international allies, stressing that IHRC’s mission is one of partnership, not criticism.

“Our role is to strengthen nations in crisis, not to judge them. Nigeria’s strength lies in its unity and moral courage to act when peace and justice are at risk,” he stated.

A call for unity and decisive action

IHRC reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance, and human rights monitoring across Nigeria.

“A tree does not stand alone in the storm,” the statement concluded. “Unity — the lifeblood of our nation — is now under threat. Nigeria’s destiny as Africa’s democratic leader depends on its courage to protect its citizens and restore peace. The time for decisive action is now.”

Reported by: Fidelis Onakpoma
IHRC Head of Media and Strategic Communications Nigeria

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Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra (India)

The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation) continues to expand its humanitarian footprint across India through its Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) — a global network of volunteers dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights.

A felicitation ceremony was recently held in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where Mr. Chishty Azharuddin, Commissioner of IHRC India, officially appointed Mr. M.A. Shakeel as a Volunteer of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation).

During the ceremony, Mr. Azharuddin presented Mr. Shakeel with his official IHRC Volunteer Certificate and Identification Card, formally welcoming him into the Special Monitoring Mission network of the IHRC Corporation.

This appointment was made under the leadership and guidance of Prof. h.c. Rafał Marcin Wasik, IHRC Corporation Secretary-General & Peacemaker, and Dawid Szabłowski, Ambassador-at-Large, Director of International Relations & Media. The event was further supported by Dr. Shamsher Khan, MNVC Peace Ambassador, and Dr. Arif Bhatt, Ambassador IHRC India.

The Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) plays a pivotal role in the IHRC Corporation’s humanitarian agenda. Its volunteers work tirelessly to combat violence against women, promote peace and justice, provide access to free legal support, and assist underprivileged communities through education and social welfare initiatives.

In his address, Commissioner Chishty Azharuddin emphasised the spirit of service and unity at the heart of IHRC Corporation’s mission, stating:

“Serving humanity is the true essence of the IHRC’s mission. We encourage youth and citizens to come forward and join this noble initiative to promote peace, justice, and equality in society.”

The ceremony concluded with expressions of congratulations and best wishes to Mr. M.A. Shakeel from attendees and community members, who commended his commitment to human rights, social welfare, and community service.

Article prepared by
Mr. Chishty Azharuddin
Commissioner & Investigative Journalist, IHRC India

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APPEAL TO THE GOOD AND RIGHTEOUS

On behalf of the International Human Rights Commission IHRC Corporation
Prof. h.c. Rafał Marcin Wasik – Secretary General

In the name of humanity’s conscience and in the spirit of truth,
I call for the immediate return to the centuries-old tradition of universally applying just international law — law that protects the life, freedom, and dignity of every human being.

In the face of ongoing tragedies — abductions, bombings, displacement, hunger, and human trafficking — I call upon the world to act immediately:

• Release all hostages kidnapped and held by HAMAS.
• Liberate the civilian population from the grip of the global system of terror, violence, and manipulation.
• Show compassion to those who seek nothing more than a dignified and safe life.
• Honor the dead — their right to a respectful burial according to their faith, culture, and tradition.

There is no more time for diplomatic phrases.
Now is the time to act.
Truth must return to where lies have taken root.
Law must replace violence.
Humanity must overcome indifference.

I appeal to nations, governments, organizations, and all Good and Righteous People of faith and hope:

Enough silence.
Enough of using the innocent as instruments of war.
Enough!

Today, we have a duty to be the voice of the silenced.
We have a duty to be the light where darkness has fallen.

I call on all of you – the Good and the Righteous – to act in the name of peace and justice.
Because we, the Good and the Righteous, are the majority, and it is thanks to us that there is still hope for the light of peace.
Let us act. Not tomorrow. Now.

Prof. h.c. Rafał Marcin Wasik
Secretary General
International Human Rights Commission IHRC Corporation

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