December 31, 2023

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 wellbeing 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 centre 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.

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Human Rights Stakeholders comprising the Police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigeria Army, the Special Monitoring Mission of the International Human Rights Commission-IHRC, including the Delta State University Abraka, and other Civil Rights Groups 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.

This was obtained in a statement by the National/Multi-National Coordinator of the IHRC Special Monitoring Mission in Nigeria and Africa Region, Engr. Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu, made available by the Head of Media, Strategic Communications IHRC in Nigeria, Mr. Fidelis Onakpoma, on December 21, 2023.

He said the development will converge during the End-of-Year Human Rights Stakeholders Summit in Delta State, stressing that the targeted audience includes tertiary institutions, human rights educators, advocates, activists, law enforcement officers, lawyers, women activists, research officers, leaders, members of coalitions and networks, staff of NGOs and CBOs, volunteers, development actors, trainers, students, United Nations agency, Ministry of Justice officials, government officials.

With the theme of the Summit, ‘The Future is Human Rights ‘, he maintained that the Summit will integrate knowledge in the fields of politics, economics, cultural diversity, gender issues, and socio-psychology in the context of human rights.

“Strategized training and methodology required for promoting human rights education in our community across all sectors shall as well be formulated through the summit”, he hinted.

He added the Summit will take on the 23rd of December 2023 at Abraka Delta State with special award recognition for Special Monitoring Mission Officials and other Human Rights Actors whose unrelenting efforts towards human rights advocacy and defense cannot be overemphasized.

Signed:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head of Media, Strategic Communications IHRC in Nigeria

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September 24, 2023

NGA: The Special Monitoring Mission of the International Human Rights Commission SMM-IHRC in Imo State, joined the rest of the World to mark the 2023 annual International Day of Peace celebration held on 21st September, 2023, at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Imo State Command Headquarters.

As an annual commemoration of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the 2023 theme “Action for Peace: Our Ambition for the Global Goals” focuses on the individual and collective efforts and responsibilities of all to foster peace in our societies regardless of our cultural diversities, economic status, and political affiliations.

While speaking, the SMM–IHRC Official in Imo State, Comrade Ezeani Chiemezie called on all to have a personal reflection on their contribution to promoting peace, reminding everyone that inasmuch peace is the livewire of every society, its other side is conflict. Therefore he implored all stakeholders in the State to put up a conscious effort towards a peaceful society.

This year’s International Day of Peace was well attended by the representatives of the Governor of Imo State Hon. Amb. Peter Ohagwa, Special Adviser to Imo State Governor on Peace and Conflict Resolution, the Zonal Commander NSCDC Zone ‘E’, ACG, Aliyu Musa Ndanusa, other sisters security agencies such as the Nigeria Police, Immigration, Nigeria Correctional Services, Federal Road Safety Corps, Fire Service, Partners for Peace in the Niger Delta and other Peace Stakeholders in Imo State.

In a remark by the NSCDC Zone E Zonal Commander, ACG. Aliyu Musa Ndanusa emphasized the need for peace in families, Communities, and society at large, noting that the nation needs peace mostly during this period for any meaningful progress.

This year’s lecture/paper presentation was done by the Director-General Bureau for Peace and Conflict Resolution Imo State cum Special Adviser to Imo State Governor on Peace and conflict resolution, Hon. Amb. Peter Ohagwa on the topic “Peace as a Panacea for Socio-economic Development in our Society.

He stated that no economy will thrive in the absence of peace, stressing that peace is essential for any meaningful development in every society, while taking into cognizance the effect of lockdown in the South East geopolitical Zone popularly known as “sit at home” and its negative effect on the socio-economic development of the region, he reminded everyone that peace is everybody’s business.

In the same light, the IHRC Nigeria Head of Diplomatic Mission H.E. Amb. Dr. Duru C. Hezekiah, and the National Volunteers Coordinator, Engr. Elijah Vitus Echendu is calling on all Peace Actors –the Government, Civil Society Organizations, Faith Based Organizations, Private Sectors, Students at all levels, and all Nigerians to support, promote and uphold peace and human rights, and understand that their role to this effect in the society cannot be overemphasized.

Comrade Ezeani reminded the participants that while we are all abreast with the current economic and security reality, we should know that our behavior towards one another is the gateway to a lasting peace which provides us with an atmosphere that supports the actualization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and urging all participants to see it as a duty to put smiles on the faces of others in the discharge of our duties. Because what we do today, we do for generations; born and unborn.

There were goodwill messages from other sister security agencies and peace stakeholders present at the event, promising to work in synergy with one another in peace building and taking action for a peaceful and secure society stating that the security agencies are not in conflict with one another.

They also emphasized the need to inculcate the norms of peace in our lives respect the rights of each other and equally call for cordial relationships between security agencies with civil societies in sharing information, ideas, and capacities.

The Head of Unit PCR Imo State Command, CSC, Nwokorie O.T gave the vote of thanks, charging everyone to continue in spreading the gospel of peace, and equally take actions for a better global goal. She appreciated the representative of the government, the Zonal Commander, other security agencies, peace stakeholders, Partners for peace organizations, and officers who graced this year’s celebration above all, she praised the State Commandant for his unalloyed support in making this year’s celebration a unique one.

Reported
Comrade Ezeani Chiemezie
IHRC SMM Imo State

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

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Nigeria: As part of activities marking the working visit by the South-South Regional Coordinator of the Special Monitoring Mission of the International Human Rights Commission (SMM IHRC), Fidelis Onakpoma to Port-Harcourt Rivers State, a courtesy call visit to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP. Polycarp Nwonyi Emeka (PhD), was made at the State Command Headquarters, Port-Harcourt.

The visit was accompanied by SMM Officials in Rivers State; Apostle Prof. Ikezahu Osagie Success alongside Pastor Victor Erhabor and Pastor Lucky Ehikhoya. It was an avenue to familiarize and intimate the CP about the scope of work and objectives of IHRC, emphasizing possible avenues of collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force Rivers State Command and the International Human Rights Commission in Rivers State, such that will be of great support to combating crimes and protecting human rights.

In the response of the Police Commissioner, CP P.N. Emeka acknowledged the visit, and maintained that fighting crimes or maintaining a culture of peace is everybody’s responsibility.

He stressed that IHRC is a Stakeholder and would be given every support and cooperation of the Police in carrying out their activities in Rivers State.

Meanwhile, Fidelis also noted that the Organization should soon visit the Command in no-distance time for further information sharing.

Reported
Apostle Prof. Ikezahu Osagie Success
SMM IHRC, Rivers State.

Editorial:
Fidelis Onakpoma
IHRC Editor-in-Chief Worldwide.
July 27, 2023

The post SMM IHRC Visits Police Commissioner in Rivers State first appeared on ihrc.news.

ABUJA: Ahead of the implementation of ‘Project Safety’, a global safety action against illegal gas proliferations, the National Industrial Safety Council of Nigeria (NISCN) and International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) in Nigeria, alongside stakeholders in industrial safety comprising of the Police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), National Emergency Management Agency of Nigeria, (NEMA), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC);

As well as the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMENV), and Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), held their first Stakeholders’ Consultative Meeting at IHRC Central Office, Abuja, highlighting the dangers of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) otherwise known as cooking gas plants within residential areas, while seeking best practices that ensure safety standards are applied to everyone installing or operating gas technologies in Nigeria.

IHRC’s Ambassador at Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah in his opening remark, decried the devastating consequences of gas explosions, saying IHRC was deeply concerned about the existence of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) facilities in residential areas and the potential dangers they pose to the lives and properties of citizens.

He noted that Project Safety is a collaborative effort between the National Industrial Safety Council of Nigeria (NISCN) and the International Human Rights Commission in Nigeria, formed to harness national and international efforts and partnerships aimed at providing appropriate actions through implementable strategies in addressing the increasing issue of the existence of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) facilities in residential areas and the dangers it portends to the lives and properties of citizens.

“We aim to carry awareness on international safety measures making it possible for gas operators and users to adhere to regulations. We firmly believe that safety standards must apply to every individual or organization involved in the installation, alteration, maintenance, or operation of gas technologies in Nigeria”.

“The IHRC, a Transnational Intergovernmental Organization headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, is committed to promoting peace negotiation and humanitarian aid. With extensive experience in conflict resolution and disaster management, we operate on three continents and work closely with state authorities to restore human rights and address humanitarian crises”, he added.

Given the mandate of NISCN to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of Nigerians and to reduce the chances of accidents, he maintained that the Project will uphold the fundamental rights to life by ensuring safety measures and reducing avoidable death rates associated with gas plants in residential areas.

“We recognize that the existence of LPG facilities in residential areas and the significant risks it poses to the well-being of our communities violates fundamental human rights and national environmental guidelines, therefore, we want to hold those who neglect safety measures and endanger the lives of our citizens accountable”.

“As Stakeholders, we will leverage on our partnerships by creating awareness, implementing enforceable regulations that can help in reducing risks posed by these facilities and protect the rights to life of citizens in our communities”, Dr. Duru hinted.

While responding in a keynote address by the NISCN National President, Dr. Festus Daniel, ably represented by Omoba Adeyinka Oyediran, commended IHRC’s contribution to Project Safety, assuring the stakeholders of NISCN’s commitment to the quest to any cause that would guarantee industrial safety, stressing that the alarming consequences that have emerged due to the establishment and operation of gas plants near where people live cannot be ignored.

He said, “For safety and emergency response, we will bolster our emergency response systems to effectively address any incidents or accidents that may occur in the vicinity of gas plants. Training programs, regular drills, and the deployment of advanced technology will be implemented to enhance our response capabilities. The safety of our citizens is non-negotiable, and we will leave no stone unturned in protecting their lives”.

He maintained that with the best ideas, the right tools, and everyone showing up to redefine what’s possible, no safety challenge will be too big for us to overcome, from the workplace to any place”.

“However, let us stand united in our commitment to curtail the endangering and human rights violations associated with gas plants in residential areas, as the issue requires the collaboration and determination of government agencies, private sector stakeholders, civil society organizations, and every citizen”, he summed up.

Stakeholders at the Consultative meeting were Representatives of SON; Engr. Yahaya Bukur, Representative of the Inspector General of Police; CSP Omar John Sini-Head of Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering, Representative of NEMA; Atabo Daniel, Representative of FRSC; Aturu Augustine.

Others included Representative of FMENV; Sani Mohammed Rabiu, Representative of Ministry of Petroleum Resources; Engr. Omole Jude Ejere, Representative of Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI); Engr. Mohammed I., Representative of the Nigeria Red Cross Society; Gbubemi Uba and the Representative of the Federal Ministry of Health Abuja; Zuwaira Suleiman.

Reported
Fidelis Onakpoma,
Head, Media & Strategic Communications,
IHRC Nigeria.
July 15th, 2023.

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