Children's Day: NHRC Acting Executive Secretary receives FCT Children's Parliament advocating for Children's Rights.PHOTOS

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has assured Nigerian Children that the Commission will continue to work hard to ensure that violence against children and other forms of deprivations are addressed.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mrs. Oti Ovrawah who gave this assurance when she received the FCT Children’s Parliament, led by the Speaker Honourable Oral Nwaka, commended the Children’s parliament for advocating the rights of children in the FCT and by extension, Nigeria.

Mrs. Ovrawah pledged the Commission’s support to the parliament stating the need to fully implement the child’s rights Act 2003 in the country even as she noted that the Act made provisions for the Children’s Parliament in the states of the federation and the FCT with the aim of grooming children for leadership and to also have a say in governance.

Earlier, the Speaker of the Children’s Parliament, Honourable Nwaka and Members of the Parliament expressed concern over the increasing number of street children in the FCT and the need for the government to address the menace and other challenges faced by children in the area.

NHRC briefs Nigeria's Attorney Gen on its activities.

The Hon. Attorney General of the Federation (HAGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) has expressed the readiness of his Ministry to provide necessary support needed in the pursuit of promotion of accountability for human rights violations in the Country.

The HAGF made this known while receiving a delegation from the National Human Rights Commission who paid him a working visit at the Justice Ministry in Abuja.

The Minister who expressed delight over the visit said it was timely and that his office is interested in identifying and working with relevant bodies to address cases of human rights violation especially the issue of suspects in custody.

Mr. Malami revealed that the Justice Ministry in collaboration with the Military and the Office of National Security Adviser have concluded the profiling of insurgents in custody in Kainji, Niger state and will soon commence the trial in court, of those found culpable.

The Attorney General said the essence of the profiling of the insurgents in custody is for proper identification and location should any need arise for them to be traced after they may have been tried and released from custody.

The Minister disclosed to the NHRC delegation that about five hundred insurgents in custody at Giwa Barracks in Borno State have been relocated to prison custody to decongest the detention facility in the barracks while efforts are being made to fast-track their prosecution.

Mr. Mallami assured the Commission of his willingness to push necessary Council Memo on the National Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Right to the Federal Executive Council for consideration and adoption.

Earlier in her remarks, the Acting Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission said the purpose of the working visit was to among other things brief the Minister on the activities of the Commission particularly with regard to NHRC/Military dialogue and to seek his collaboration in several areas of its work including speedy processing of insurgents awaiting trial in military detention facilities.

While commending the gallantry of the Nigerian Military in containing the insurgency, Mrs. Ovrawah called on the Hon. Attorney General to use the instrumentality of his office to hold accountable, Military officers who in one way or the other are guilty of violating the rights of civilians during the counter insurgency operations in the North East.

Mrs. Ovrawah revealed that the Commission in collaboration with the European Union is carrying out a project on promoting accountability for human rights violations in counter insurgency operations in the North East. She said the military is being trained under the project to mainstream human rights into their operations.

While appreciating the AGF for receiving the NHRC delegation and pledging to present the National Action Plan to the Federal Executive Council, the Acting Executive Secretary said the Commission is also presently collaborating with Mac Arthur Foundation in investigating hate speeches and electoral violence in the country. “Those indicted will be recommended to the HAGF for prosecution or other necessary action” she said.

It would be recalled that the Commission’s project on hate speech and election violence is aimed at advocating for the establishment of election offences Commission in line with the Justice Uwais Electoral Reform Panel which was also recently recommended by Chief Ken Nnamani Panel with the aim of handling cases of hate speech and election related violence.

Domestic Violence: Man knocks off his wife teeth and stabs her with a fork. PHOTOS

More women are going through pains in their marriages as a result of domestic violence. These pictures were shared by a Facebook user,he said
"This guy is going to prison to cool off his temper. If you agree, say "Yes prison". If you don't agree, say "No prison"."





Report any case of domestic violence to National Human Rights Commission. Or call me ....

Man forces 13 year old boy to swallow semen, suck blood out of his manhood

(PICTURE ILLUSTRATION)

A 20-year-old man, Ibrahim also known as ‘Ibro’, has been arrested by the Niger Child Rights Protection Agency for alleged sexual harassment of two minors in the state.

The agency’s Director-General, Mrs Mariam Kolo, on Friday in Minna said the suspect was arrested in Randan Ruwa Bosso, in Bosso Local government area where the incident occurred following a tip off by neighbours

The suspect lured two brothers between the ages nine and 13 to his room under the pretext of wanting
them to assist him with house chores.

Malama Sailha Mohammed, the mother of the two boys, contacted the agency after she received distress call from her eldest son.

She said the children were living with her ex-husband, Malam Kasim Adamu and his new wife in Minna, after they were divorced.

Mohammed said:

 “I got a call from the senior boy who is 13 years who said he informed neighbours that the suspect called him to assist him wash his clothes.

“After washing and ironing the clothes, the suspect undressed himself and asked the boy to suck his manhood threatening him with a knife.

“He released semen and asked the boy to swallow it after which blood starting coming out of his manhood.

“He also asked the boy to suck the blood.
“My son summoned courage and called me on on phone and narrated the incident to me.
“I had to travel from Abuja to Minna because the youngest boy who is 9 started complaining of stomach pain.”

Confirming the incident, Kolo said the case had been reported to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for investigation.

She said that the victims had been treated after undergoing medical examinations.

Kolo described the incident as `ungodly and disgusting,’ adding that the children were not properly given parental care.

She appealed to parents to always look out for their children and wards and watch out for the the people they mingle with.

(NAN

NHRC set to resolve allegations of unlawful detention of lawyers by the DSS

The Ag.Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission,NHRC Mrs.Oti Ovrawah has stated the readiness of the Commission to engage with the authorities in resolving an allegation of unlawful arrest and detention of four members of lawyers in defence of Democracy(LDD).

Mrs Ovrawah who stated this when members of LDD in conjunction with members of Citizens For Good Governance(CGG)led a peaceful protest to the Commission's headquarters in Abuja commended them for not taking laws into their own hands and assured them that the Commission would get intouch with the relevant authorities and inform them of the outcome.


Earlier in his statement,the coordinating chairman of the groups,Mr Agu Okwukwe alledged that on December 22nd,2016 four of their members were arrested and detained by the DSS without trial till date,an act he noted was in contravention of the nation's constitution and other relevant laws.

According to him the detainnes are Barr. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere,Mr Ugochukwu Apuamaga,Mr Chukwuemeka Dibia and Mr Ejike Nwachukwu.

''Women’s rights are human rights'',Women set to march in Washington for women’s rights.

On Saturday, an estimated 200,000 people will participate in the Women’s March in Washington, DC. More than a million marchers are expected for the more than 600 “sister marches” around the world. More marches are being announced every day.

In Washington, DC, alone, with a march route of just over a mile and the average adult taking about 2,000 steps per mile, the marchers together will take at least 400 million steps. Add the marchers in other cities, and you’ve got more than 2 billion steps.
That’s more than 2 billion steps in the right direction: the direction of human rights, dignity, and justice. The Women’s March will send a bold message that women’s rights are human rights, regardless of a woman’s race, ethnicity, religion, immigration status, sexual identity, gender expression, economic status, age, or disability.

Many Human Rights Watch staff members and supporters will march in solidarity with the thousands of women and girls we’ve interviewed around the world about human rights abuses they’ve endured.

We’ll march to remind governments of their responsibility to survivors of sexual and domestic violence, trafficking, labor exploitation, sexual harassment – both in the United States and in other countries. We’ll march to keep women’s issues front and center: So people can’t forget how girls are deprived of education, and how women are denied reproductive rights and autonomy. That women lack safe water and sanitation, and are excluded from peace talks and a seat at the table in government. It’s time for women and girls to have the power, autonomy, legal rights, and resources they need to fully realize their human rights.

Human Rights Watch is partnering with the march in Washington, DC, because this is a critical time to safeguard hard-fought women’s rights progress achieved in recent decades, and to stand up for the many women and girls who continue to suffer grave human rights violations. We’re partnering to make it clear that attacks on women’s rights are an attack on everyone’s rights.

Political leaders in the US and abroad who aim to curtail women’s rights, take note. Women’s demands that their rights be respected won’t end when marchers go home. Women’s rights are human rights. This is #WhyWeMarch.



Region / Country
United States

Topic
Women's Rights

NHRC tasks FG to end herdsmen attacks .

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, yesterday, asked the Federal Government to take more seriously, its responsibility of protecting lives and property of Nigerians.

The commission, via a statement by its Acting Executive Secretary, Mrs. Oti Ovrawah, said it was time the government ended incessant attack of “defenceless Nigerians” by suspected herdsmen. It said: “Time has come for the government and security agencies to ensure effective protection of lives and property of defenceless Nigerians who have been victims of incessant attacks by suspected herdsmen in the country.” Cows Ovrawah made the call, while reacting to recent report of attacks by suspected herdsmen which led to loss of lives and property in Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State, as well as similar reports in different parts of the country.

The Acting NHRC boss maintained that the government and security agencies must act fast to put a stop to the menace.

She called on security agencies to be more proactive, professional and more committed in the discharge of their duties in containing persistent attacks by herdsmen, adding that there is an urgent need to prioritize preventive measures to curtail these attacks.

Mrs. Ovrawah stated that the Commission, having received some complaints on alleged attacks by herdsmen, was partnering with other stakeholders to work out amicable solution to these avoidable attacks. She noted with regret that the incessant attacks led to thousands of deaths accompanied by countless cases of displacements.

The Ag Executive Secretary advised communities to embrace the age long beneficial relationship of peaceful coexistence and to desist from taking arms against themselves. Observing that conflicts were usually fuelled by human rights abuses, Oti noted that addressing those abuses requires an inevitable process of peace building.

Today is Human Rights Day "Stand up for someone's rights today"

Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December. It commemorates the day on which, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 1950, the Assembly passed resolution 423 (V), inviting all States and interested organizations to observe 10 December of each year as Human Rights Day.

This year, Human Rights Day calls on everyone to stand up for someone's rights! Disrespect for basic human rights continues to be wide-spread in all parts of the globe. Extremist movements subject people to horrific violence. Messages of intolerance and hatred prey on our fears. Humane values are under attack.
We must reaffirm our common humanity. Wherever we are, we can make a real difference. In the street, in school, at work, in public transport; in the voting booth, on social media.
The time for this is now. “We the peoples” can take a stand for rights. And together, we can take a stand for more humanity.
It starts with each of us. Step forward and defend the rights of a refugee or migrant, a person with disabilities, an LGBT person, a woman, a child, indigenous peoples, a minority group, or anyone else at risk of discrimination or violence.

"Upholding human rights is in the interest of all. Respect for human rights advances well-being for every individual, stability for every society, and harmony for our interconnected world" United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

It’s time for each of us to step up for human rights. There is no action that is too small: wherever you are, you can make a difference. Together, let’s take a stand for more humanity" UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein

Stand up for someone's rights today!

Follow#Standup4HumanRights#HumanRightsDay

NHRC received 1.7m complaints between January and November 2016.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Monday said it received a total of 1,179,510 complaints of human rights violations between January and November.

Its Executive Secretary, Prof. Bem Angwe, who disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja, said the commission had treated over 500 cases out which 200 had been won.

According to him, the number of complaints being received by the commission means that Nigerians are becoming more aware of their human rights.

“This year, the National Human Rights Commission crossed the one million annual threshold in its complaint status.
“At the end of November, the complaints received by the commission stood at 1,179,510 in one year.

“This is a testimony of the visibility and the confidence that the people of Nigeria have on the NHRC

“As I speak to you, the commission has treated more than 500 cases and won more than 200 cases where persons, who were illegally detained without trial, have been released and compensation ordered in their favour.

“The number of complaints we are receiving is a manifestation that more Nigerians are becoming aware of their human rights.

“The number of complaints we are receiving today is a manifestation that more Nigerians have become aware of their human rights.

Angwe also said that commission had begun the enforcement of the rights of Nigerians illegally detained in prison without trial.

Some of the victims, he said, are currently being compensated with N2 million each.
The executive secretary also said the commission would investigate the recent alleged detention of a journalist, Mr Friday Ogungbemi, by security agents in Kogi.

“With respect to the journalist that they are talking about, the situation is like others where Nigerians do have their rights infringed on.

 
NAN.

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY | NHRC to honour human rights promoters

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is to honour individuals and organisations that have excelled in the protection and promotion of human rights in the country.
Prof. Bem Angwe, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, said the potential honourees would be conferred with different categories of the commission’s Human Rights Awards on Dec. 10.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NHRC Human Rights Awards event is part of activities marking the 2016 Human Rights Day billed to hold on Dec. 10.

To make the ceremony a success, the commission has appointed Abuja-based civil society organisation, Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER), as a partner in hosting the event.

Angwe conveyed this decision in a letter dated Oct. 31, and addressed to the Executive Director of CASER, Mr Frank Tietie, in Abuja.


According to the letter, CASER’s choice was informed by its “work and experience in the promotion of socio-economic rights in Nigeria’’.

The organisation’s major responsibility under the partnership is to generate credible award recipients, who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the promotion of human rights.

Tietie told NAN that the award nominees would be drawn from the results of a nationwide poll to be conducted by “a reputable polling service provider’’.

He explained that three nominees would be presented in each of the 10 award categories to a selection committee made up of representatives of civil society organisations and NHRC officials.

One of the categories is `Improving Human Rights Record Award’ to be conferred on a government institution formerly indicted for human rights violations but has taken committed steps to improve its record.

“In our prisons today, we have nursing mothers who are being locked up with their children and are nursing children in the prison cells- Prof Bem Angwe[ ES NHRC].

The National Human Rights Commission on Monday said nursing mothers and pregnant women are about 90% of the women awaiting trial in prisons.
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PHOTOS: Cheating Couple Caught, Forced To Walk Completely Unclad In Benue. Photo

A woman who was said to have been involved in adultery was caught and forced to walk unclad with her partner in Benue State.

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NHRC begins audit of Prisons facilities in Nigeria.

(File image)

Perturbed by the rising spate of jailbreaks across the country, National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, said, yesterday, it had commenced an audit of prisons facilities in the country.
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How WAEC Supervisor allegedly assaulted female candidate over hijab.

The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has expressed indignation at the attitude of a female West African Examination Council, WAEC official, who reportedly assaulted a female candidate over hijab.
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NHRC Advocates International Cooperation To Tackle Terrorism.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for international cooperation in fighting what it termed ‘economic terrorism’ in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary of NHRC, Professor Ben Angwe, made the appeal on Tuesday during a consultative meeting with a 10-man delegation from the United States in Abuja.
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Horrific! See Shocking Photo of Nine-year-old Bathed with Hot Water for Stealing Crayfish (Photos)

Precious Chinwendu

Wicked! A heartless woman has left her housemaid scarred for life after she bathed her with hot water for allegedly stealing crayfish. You will surely shed tears seeing pictures of a 9-year-old housemaid bathed with hot water for allegedly stealing her madam's crayfish.

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NHRC Summons Army,Police Others Over Alleged Abuse Of Civilians.

You all saw the picture of the suspected armed robber who was brutalized by soldiers in Nassarawa state today....Anyway some people got the pictures and circulated on social media till it go to my boss,the Executive Secretary of NHRC Prof Bem Angwe .

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Unlawful Substitution Of Candidates/Inflation Of Ballot Cast/Forgery Of Election Returns/Intimidation Of Voters And Election Officials-National Human Rights Commission Indicts Judiciary,Police And Electoral Body For Electoral Impunity In Nigeria.

A report prepared for the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has blamed the judiciary, the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for the prevalence of widespread electoral impunity in Nigeria.
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