Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chief (DR) Tony Ojukwu, stated that the Commission stands resolute in its commitment to address critical issues affecting the rights of women and girls.
He was at the flagging off of the 2023 26 Days Activism on Gender-Based Violence against women and girls in Bauchi.
The NHRC Executive Secretary, represented by the Bauchi State Coordinator, Yahcit Dala, explained that this day serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing need to confront and alleviate the multifaceted challenges faced by women and girls and by extension the larger society.
According to him, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is an international campaign that takes place every year, commencing on 25 November, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and ending on 10th December, which is the International Human Rights Day.
The theme for the 2023 16 days of Activism is, “INVEST TO PREVENT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS ” which focuses on the importance of financing different prevention strategies to end violence against women and girls.
Tony Ojukwu stated, “It is an unequivocal truth that a society that invests in the wellbeing, progress and independence of women reaps immeasurable benefits. Our efforts towards fostering an environment that champions and priorities the Rights of women to Reproductive health, education and economic empowerment will lay a foundation for a more equitable and violence-free society which empowers women to make informed decisions and choices that benefit them and promotes their well-being and rights.”
The NHRC ES stated that this year’s theme urges people to reflect deeply on the various prevention strategies needed to halt violence at its roots just as it prompts them to channel their efforts into initiatives that safeguard the rights and dignity of every woman and girl.
He disclosed that to celebrate this year’s 16 days of activism, the Commission has earmarked a series of programmes of activities on Human rights issues particularly Rights of women and girls and advocacy visits to key stakeholders in collaboration with partners such as the Office of the First Ladies, NBA, FIDA and CSOs across the 36 states of Nigeria and FCT.
According to him, the Commission in fulfilling its Human rights mandate, especially Rights of Women and Girls has a dedicated Department, which handles only issues of Rights of women and children and dedicated toll-free lines and calls centre for reporting of GBV complaints.
The Commission in 2021 established SGBV panels in the geographical region of the country and currently it has an ongoing Special Investigative Panel for Allegations of Abortion and SGBV in the North East counter-insurgency operations.
Also, recently the Commission organised a National dialogue to create awareness of the menace of SGBV.
“As we celebrate this year’s 16 days of activism the Commission calls for, the Ratification of the Maputo protocol (which has very laudable provisions for protection of the rights of women). Concerted efforts by the security agencies especially the Nigerian Armed forces to rescue women and girls who are in captivity of insurgents and bandits,” he advocated.
The Commission also called for the Enactment of the Gender Equality bills by the National Assembly; Enactment of the VAPP by all State Houses of Assembly and for Bauchi State, the passage of the Child Protection Law.
On its part, the Commission reiterates its unwavering commitment to accelerate reconvening of the Special Panel on SGBV.
It is also committed to working with stakeholders to enhance speedy investigation and resolution of SGBV Cases/Complaints stating, “Together, let us invest in tools and resources necessary to break the cycle of violence against women and girls and usher in the era of equality, respect and dignity for all.”
Staff of Bauchi office of National Human Rights Commission and Civil Society Organizations staged a walk to the Office of the State First Lady, Dr Aisha Bala Mohammed to commemorate the commencement of the activities.
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