Raphael Ekpang
As part of the week long activities to mark international human rights day, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday hosted the Civilians -Military Forum in partnership with the ministry of defence, and military personnels, civil society organisations, as well as the general public were engaged on how best to cement the relationship between the Civilians and the Military.
However, while it’s assumed that the military are the one that always violate the rights of civilians, Major A.A. Goni from the legal services unit of the defence headquarters, Abuja said, military personnels are human beings, therefore, their rights are also violated by civilians.
He narrated, how some senior officers have called him to complain how they paid for plot of lands, and they were given the land neither were they refund of their money.
He noted also that, he was a victim of such circumstances, saying that when he came back from a foreign mission, he paid for a piece of land and he was not given the land, and when he went to court because of his duty he has to forgone the matter, such applicable to most of the officers.
Meanwhile, while delivering his opening remarks, the executive secretary of the commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN) said, the Forum seeks to contribute to three overarching goals of the NHRC: the promotion of human rights awareness, in this instance within the Nigerian Military; the prevention of human rights violation, specifically in areas of military operation thereby potentially obviating the need for the Commission’s intervention; and the speedy resolution of communications alleging human rights violations against the Nigeria Military.
Ojukwu said, “we must understand what CMR entails, it is relationship between the civil societies on one part and the military and other paramilitary out fits on the other. It also entails a reciprocal relation between the civil authorities and military authorities for better accountability, security and respect for human rights in Nigeria.
” In the past, the CMR in Nigeria has been quite appalling, however, there has been significant departure from the old norm, and this Civil-Military Forum on Human Rights intends to develop and build upon the robust civil-military relations in the country.
“The military and other law enforcement agencies society indeed is the foremost defender of the rights of the ordinary citizen of Nigeria and were created to protect the civilian society, therefore it is imperative that both society should coordinate and work effectively to this end. None should be greater than the other at all times,” he opined
In the same vein, the chairperson of the NHRC governing board, Dr. Salamatu Husseini Suleiman on her part said, the National Human Rights Commission acknowledges and commends the significant progress made by the Nigerian military in integrating human rights principles into its operations.
She added the military cooperation with the NHRC is a testament to their dedication to upholding the highest human rights standards, even in the face of formidable challenges. “This partnership has been instrumental in cultivating a culture of human rights within the military, and for this, we are genuinely appreciative.”
However, she said, “our journey towards a more humane and rights-respecting military does not conclude here. The landscape of warfare and defence is in a perpetual state of evolution, presenting ever-evolving challenges to human rights. Thus, our endeavours to infuse human rights into military operations must evolve in tandem. We urge the Nigerian military to continue expanding their human rights training programs, ensuring they permeate every facet of military life.
“We also encourage you to fortify mechanisms of accountability within your ranks. Transparency and accountability in addressing human rights violations are paramount to maintaining the trust and respect of the citizens you are entrusted to protect. A robust system for addressing grievances and misconduct will not only deliver justice but also uphold the honour and integrity of the Nigerian military.
“The board reaffirms the unwavering commitment of the NHRC to supporting the Nigerian military in all its endeavours to uphold human rights. Together, let us strive for a future where the strength of our armed forces and the principles of human rights march hand in hand, forging a safer, more equitable, and more compassionate society for all Nigerians,”she said.
Meanwhile, civil society organisations who spoke at the forum commended the Nigeria Armed Forces for improving in the aspect of upholding and protecting human rights within it’s rank and public.
The Armed Forces were also enjoined to do more by taking the lecture down to the junior officers who are prompt to such actions on like the senior officers.
The participants unanimously agreed that the forum should be a regular one so that the sensitisation on Civilians -Military relationship can be one that will help in reducing human rights violations in both ends.
