Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Tony Ojukwu (SAN) at the Human Rights Fiesta
The Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Tony Ojukwu (SAN) has enjoined Nigerians to keep their hope alive over issues of human rights, saying that the commission is working assiduously alongside civil societies and well-spirited individuals to bring to halt human rights violation which has characterised the country in the past.
NHRC boss gave hope in Abuja on Thursday night during a human rights fiesta organised by the Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) in conjunction with NHRC in commemoration of world human rights day.
He stated that as long as there is life, Nigeria is bound to rise beyound human rights violations to a stage of enjoying their rights all through as promoted by human rights declarations the world over which we are a signatory.
He noted that though there are insecurities currently ravaging the country which has added more to the violation of the rights of so many Nigerians, but assured that in a short while Nigerians would start enjoying their rights, stressing that the presence of the commission in all the states will help educate Nigerians on their rights and also facilitate the enforcement of human rights violation.
“Human rights is life, therefore, it is not easy to defend human rights but we must defend our rights. This fiesta is the way to celebrate ourselves just like we celebrate government and other achievers.
In the same vein, the Executive Director of CASER, Frank Tietie said that human rights are worthy of celebrating, adding that we cannot continue to talk about the violation alone because there are meant to be enjoyed.
According to him, CASER is glad that the United Nations has set aside the 10th of December every year for the celebration of human rights across the globe.”It is hard time we start thinking about enjoying our rights as enshrined in the UN declaration of 1948. All this while, we seem to be aloof of the position of the laws that favour us until there’s a crisis.
“Human Rights basically are meant to be enjoyed but the tune of vibrance of human rights all over the year is that of violation but thank God the UN has set aside just one day, the 10th of December for the celebration of human rights that is why we in CASER have chosen to celebrate it this way,” he said
