The National human rights commission (NHRC) on Monday presented the quarterly report on the protection of Forcibly displaced persons in the North-East states.
The Project, “Protection of Forcibly Displaced Persons through Human Rights Monitoring in the North Eastern States is in partnership with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).
Speaking at the presentation, NHRC executive secretary (ES), Dr Anthony Ojukwu, said the project focused on monitoring and reporting the situation of the displaced persons in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.
” The objective of the project is to monitor the human rights and Protection situation in the project states with the aim of gaining a comprehensive insight into the issues concerning the Forcibly Displaced Persons (IDPs,/Returnees etc), to enable the government and other humanitarian actors intervene and respond to their needs, and thus reduce their vulnerability.
” The Commission and the UNHCR have been in this partnership for the past 9 years.
” It has become increasingly apparent that the Commission and its partner create a forum to enlighten other stakeholders on its activities in the project states.
“This presentation will provide stakeholders with an overview and analysis of human rights issues relating to the Forcibly Displaced Persons as observed and documented by the Human Right Monitors in the Project states.
” This presentation will also provide stakeholders with the opportunity to gain insights into the evolving human rights issues of the Forcibly Displaced Persons and explore collaborative avenues for addressing emerging challenges that affect the promotion and protection of the right of the Forcibly Displaced Persons.
” The Commission appreciates UNHCR for their continued support since 2015 on this project.
” The Commission equally looks forward to more collaboration between it and other agencies in furtherance of our common goal of promoting and protecting human rights and giving humanitarian assistance to the Forcibly Displaced Persons in the project states and Nigeria in general,” he said.
Mr Ben Agu, head, monitoring unit of the commission, presented the graphic representation of the report containing the activities of the project, its achievements and challenges.
” There were regular Visits to Detention Centers or Prisons, Police and Military detention facilities to assess their compliance with International Human Rights best practices.
” To Identify human rights concerns against the forcibly displaced persons and provide remedy/solution.
“Absence of Lawyers and courts in some locations(e.g Pukka) which hinders administration of justice and access to justice was one of the challenges faced,” he said.
