Ojukwu laments escalating rights violations in W/Africa
Orisemeke Benjamin
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, has expressed concern over the escalating human rights violations in West Africa, citing undemocratic government changes, shrinking civic spaces, conflicts, insurgency, forced displacements, and climate change as contributing factors.
The ES stated this on Tuesday, at the 7th Regional Consultation and Annual General meeting organized by the Network Consultation of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa in collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission, OHCHR and UNOWAS in Abuja.
According to him, “In the face of all these challenges to the enjoyment of human and peoples’ rights, there can be no better time for solidarity among NHRIs than now.
“We must affirm our resolve to advance a unified, stable, and human rights friendly West Africa. Our shared challenges are formidable, but they are not insurmountable when we stand together. In this regards, NHRI Nigeria pledges its support and solidarity to citizens and NHRIs of our sister nations in West Africa.
“The promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights can only be realised if NHRIs are alive to their mandates and supported to discharge their responsibilities as gatekeepers of human rights.”
This year 2025, he said, marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the NHRC Nigeria. From military rule to democratic governance, the NHRC in Nigeria has impactfully played a frontline role in the consolidation of Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking, the Chairperson National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria Dr. Salamatu Sulaiman, said the National Human Rights Institutions have emerged as very important actors in the promotion-and-protection of human rights in the various domains.
“Our unique mandate to protect, promote and enforce human rights has positioned us to lead efforts in the realization of the theme of this consultation with collaboration and commitments from various stakeholders to work together towards a unified agenda for reparative justice, the objectives of this consultation can be easily achieved,” she said.
The theme of the Consultation is: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations, the Role of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs).
