However, the House Committee Chairman on Human Rights, Hon. Dr. Peter Makinde has advocated for the upholding and protecting of human rights of citizens saying, “I stand before you today to advocate for the paramount importance of upholding and protecting human rights. In a world marked by diversity, our shared commitment to human rights serves as the cornerstone of a just and equitable society. It is imperative that we remain steadfast in our dedication to safeguarding the inherent dignity and freedoms of every individual.
By Raphael Ekpang
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on members of the National; the Senate and the House of Representatives to improve the 2024 commission’s budget to allow them pay compensations to victims of human rights abuse in the country.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN) made the call on Friday during a National Legislative forum on Human Rights organised by the NHRC in collaboration with the House of Representatives as part of the events to mark the 2023 International Human Rights Day.
Ojukwu said, the commission was able to pay compensations to victims of police brutality who got favourable judgement by the EndSARS panel because the 9th assembly appropriated enough fund for the them, therefore, he called on the leadership of the 10th assembly to do even better to enable it pay compensations as at when due
“We can only do well in the areas of paying compensations to victims of human rights cases if the national assembly appropriate sufficient funds to us,'” Ojukwu said
However, the NHRC boss, while giving his remarks on the topic, ‘ Parliaments and Human Rights: Exploring Traditional and Emerging Roles’ said NHRC carries a statutory mandate of the promotion, protection and enforcement of the human rights ‘ under section 5 (d) of the NHRC Amendment Act 2010, saying that other Institutions also play key roles in advancing and promoting this course
He noted that the legislature, as a key branch of government, plays also an important role in the promoting and protecting human rights through the enactment and oversight of laws and policies that protect the rights of all individuals.
According to him, “Indeed, the Abuja Guidelines on the Relationship between parliaments, parliamentarians and common National Human Rights Institutions (NHRCIs) 2004, recognize that both NHRCIs and parliaments can make an invaluable contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights.
“Parliamentarians should produce appropriate legislative framework to establish NHRCI in accordance with the Paris Principles, urgent re-enactment of the NHRC Act pending before parliament is right step in this direction. Develop a special working relation with NHRCIs as parliaments and so on.
“Today, as we come together with a shared objective to provide the platform to discuss the role of human rights committee of the Nigeria parliament in advancing and promoting cooperation between National Assembly, the NHRC and civil societies, we must also emphasize that by fostering collaboration among the legislature, Civil society, and the NHRC, we all are endeavoring to strengthen the foundations of human rights promotion, protection and enforcement,” he said.
However, the House Committee Chairman on Human Rights, Hon. Dr. Peter Makinde has advocated for the upholding and protecting of human rights of citizens saying, “I stand before you today to advocate for the paramount importance of upholding and protecting human rights. In a world marked by diversity, our shared commitment to human rights serves as the cornerstone of a just and equitable society. It is imperative that we remain steadfast in our dedication to safeguarding the inherent dignity and freedoms of every individual.
“Various factors can undermine human rights, creating challenges for the protection and promotion of these fundamental values. One significant factor is cultural relativism, where differing cultural norms and practices may be in conflict with universal human rights standards. Some argue that certain cultural traditions may justify practices that violate human rights, making it challenging to establish a universally accepted framework.
“Additionally, geopolitical interests and power dynamics on a global scale can contribute to human rights abuses. Nations may prioritize their strategic alliances or economic interests over human rights considerations, leading to a reluctance to address violations committed by allies or trading partners. This approach also hinders the enforcement of human rights and create a double standard in their application, weakening the effectiveness of international mechanisms designed to safeguard these rights.
“Non-provision of legal aids, weakness of extrajudicial bodies, lack of adequate training for security agents and dualist model by which domestic legislation have primacy over international human rights instruments are also some of the challenges impacting the enjoyment of human rights,” he said.
The federal law maker added that human rights are not a mere abstraction; they are the bedrock upon which our societies are built.
“As we deliberate on policies and laws, let us be guided by the principles of equality, justice, and inclusivity. We must work collaboratively to eliminate discrimination and prejudice, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of background or identity, enjoys the full spectrum of their human rights. Our legislation should be a reflection of our unwavering commitment to a world where every person can live free from fear and oppression.
“Human rights are an inalienable right of the people. The rights of every individual are protected by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which is 75 years now, was brilliantly adapted into the laws that guide us today as a people and nation. This is due to diligent work of legislation and genuine desire to see that the rights of the people we represent are relentlessly upheld at any given time. However, our work continues. Laws are not laws when they are selective and don’t address the root causes of human rights abuses and violation.
“In this age of interconnectedness, the totality of our actions and inactions reverberate globally. The awareness on Human Rights is at its highest level of attention in recent years. As legislators, we have a responsibility not only to our constituents but to humanity as a whole. Let us leverage our legislative powers to address systemic injustices, promote transparency, and hold those who violate human rights accountable. Through international cooperation and the promotion of diplomacy, we can foster a world where human rights are universally respected, regardless of geographical boundaries.
“I seize this opportunity to recognize numerous partnerships and collaborations that have birth a new era in the struggle for the protection of human rights. I also recognise all the agencies, civil societies, and organisations that have taken the struggle by the scruff of the neck and given it the urgency it deserves in line with the reality of the present day,” he said.
