The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has been elected a member of the Governing Board of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) based in Geneva Switzerland to represent the African region at the Board.
The elections took place at the 14th Biennial Conference of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) which held in Accra Ghana from Oct. 16-20, 2023.
A statement by the Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages of the commission, Agharese Arase said, the GANHRI Bureau is the highest organ for the coordination of National Human Rights Institutions worldwide.
The NHRC has also been elected to the GANHRI working groups on Ageing and Business and Human Rights (BHR).These are in recognition of the giant strides recorded by Nigeria in the areas of protection of the rights of older persons and mainstreaming human rights in businesses.
It will be recalled that Nigeria has established the senior citizens center to enhance improvement of the lives of older people. Again the Federal Executive Council recently approved the National Action Plan on Human Rights and Business which makes Nigeria one of the three countries that have developed such plan in Africa.
Reacting to these developments, Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu said Nigeria’s election to these prestigious positions reflects the country’s positive standing on the international human rights stage and underscores its commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights, both at home and abroad.
Speaking further, Dr. Ojukwu said GANHRI is the legitimate and authentic Network of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from around the world, established pursuant to UN General Assembly Resolution 48/134 of 20th December 1993 on the Paris Principles for the promotion and protection human rights. “It serves as a legitimate and crucial platform for cooperation, information exchange, and advocacy, making Nigeria’s inclusion in the GANHRI Bureau and Working Groups significant achievements ”.
Still recounting Nigeria’s giant strides, the Human Rights Boss said Nigeria has also been elected as a member of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions Working Group on Migration (NANHRI Working Group on Migration).
According to him, this underscores Nigeria’s active role in addressing the pressing human rights issues related to migration, which has become an area of increasing concern globally.
The Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria used this medium to commend the dedication and commitment of the Nigerian government, as well as the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, that made these achievements possible.
Continuing, he said these accomplishments are a testament to the tireless efforts of the NHRC and the Nigerian government in general, they highlight the nation’s strong resolve to uphold the principles of human rights and foster cooperation in addressing critical global issues.
Core Reporters report that the NHRC looks forward to the invaluable contributions that Nigeria will make within the GANHRI Bureau, Working Groups, and NANHRI Working Group on Migration. These roles will strengthen Nigeria’s position as a champion of human rights.
In another development, NHRC’s Scribe commended the Federal Government for taking another significant step towards upholding and advancing the rights of persons With Disabilities by signing the Instrument of Ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa.
Dr. Ojukwu who was reacting to the landmark achievement, said the historic move demonstrates Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to ensuring equal opportunities and protections for all its citizens.
He noted that the Protocol which was adopted during the Thirtieth Ordinary Session of the Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on January 29, 2018, reflects a collective effort to address the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
” By formally declaring the acceptance of this Protocol, the Federal Government has made a resounding statement of Nigeria’s commitment to promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and the full realization of the rights of persons with disabilities” Ojukwu affirmed.
The Human Rights Advocate added that this significant action of the the Government is deserving of commendation as it exemplifies Nigeria’s stance in ensuring the rights and dignity of all citizens. The Government’s commitment to the advancement of the rights of persons with disabilities is a milestone achievement that will leave a lasting positive impact on the nation, he noted.
He said “NHRC is committed to advancing the rights of every citizen and looks forward to witnessing the positive transformations that will result from this vital commitment to inclusivity”.
