Bauchi: Human Rights Commission records 56,000 cases in 2024

A total of 56,553 cases of human rights violations have been recorded in Bauchi between January to December 2024.

The disclosure was made by Bauchi State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Barr Yahcit Dala, while speaking at the closing of the 2024 16 Days of Activism with a road walk held in Bauchi on Tuesday.

According to Yahcit Dala, during the period under review, the Commission achieved a significant success in addressing some of cases brought before it, while some of the cases are still ongoing due to intensive investigations.

She stressed that the Commission believes in fair hearing, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution of Nigeria as amended, and ensures that all parties involved are carried along in the investigation processes.

Yahcit Dala noted that the Commission has received complaints in various categories, including civil and political rights, economic and social rights, and women and children’s rights violations.

According to her, the most common complaints reported included gender-based violence, domestic violence, and abandonment of parental responsibilities.

She, however,, stated that the Bauchi State office of the Commission has engaged with the government and critical stakeholders to address human rights violations, resulting in some success stories.

The Commission has partnered with various organizations, including the state government, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Justice, Education, and the Bauchi State Committee on Gender-based Violence.

The Coordinator acknowledged the support of the media organizations in promoting the Commission’s work and called on the people of Bauchi State to report human rights violations to the commission without fear of charges.

She stressed that the Commission is committed to carrying out promotional and protective mandates, including sensitizations, awareness, and advocacies.

According to her, in addressing gender-based violence, the Commission works with health, law enforcement, and Police to ensure that survivors receive necessary support and assistance.

Yahcit Dala emphasised that it is a collective effort to address human rights violations and called on all stakeholders to work together to promote and protect human rights in Bauchi State.

The walk, which was from the Commission’s office to the Yelwa Road roundabout and back, had CSOs and media practitioners as participants amidst drumming and singing.