The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is to collaborate with the International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA) to establish shelters for victims of domestic violence, especially women and children.
Receiving Officials of FIDA Abuja branch on an official visit to the Commission, Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu said both organisations have complementary functions and will work to achieve the set mandate.
According to the NHRC boss, the Commission has been desirous of acquiring a shelter home in view of the numerous cases of victims of domestic violence that inundate the Commission.
“Acquiring a shelter home is a laudable effort and the Commission will be willing to work with FIDA in this area as we also hope to benefit from the project”, the Executive Secretary said.
He said the Commission has always partnered with FIDA adding that in the North East, the Commission is working effectively with FIDA in the counterinsurgency issues and humanitarian support.
Corroborating the Executive Secretary’s position on the imperatives of shelter homes, the Director Women, Children and other Vulnerable Groups, Barrister Aver Gaver said the Commission on a regular basis comes across women who need to be moved from their immediate environment and stressed the need for shelter.
Earlier, the Vice Chairperson of FIDA, Ms Rachel Adejo Andrew told the Executive Secretary that the association works towards protecting the rights of indigent women and children most of them temporarily desire to be moved away from their immediate environment to a safe place.
She stressed the need for a robust partnership between FIDA and the Human Rights Commission to protect the rights of indigent women and children in dire need of protection.