National Human Rights Commission, Imo State in collaboration with Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Onurube Coalition, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and several other Civil Society Organizations joined the rest of the world on Saturday 9th December 2023 to commemorate the International Human Rights Day and the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with the theme:  ‘Freedom, Equality and Justice for All’.

The activities started with a road walk from the State Judiciary Complex Orlu road, Owerri Imo State to the major busy streets and market places in the municipal.

The public were sensitised to shun any form of Violence against Women and Girls while giving out relevant information to report cases of gender based violence and other human rights violations.

After the road walk and street sensitization, the participants convened at NBA Bar Centre  where they were received by the Acting State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission Imo State office, Mrs. Justina Okeke and the celebration anchored by Barr Ihunanyachukwu Okoroji commenced.

The Executive Secretary’s speech was read by Barr Ikechukwu Ironali, Assistant Chief Legal Officer.

He noted, among other things that this year’s celebration  reminds everyone that the journey towards human rights requires not only grand gestures but also the sum of the people’s daily action and that it is in the communities, workplaces and individual interactions that  the citizens can build a culture of respect, tolerance and justice.

Dr. Barr. Mrs Chioma Emukah, Chairman NBA Human Rights Committee and Vice Chairman Nigerian Bar Association Owerri Branch delivered the Keynote Lecture.

She spoke extensively on the theme of the year and gave a robust exposition on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.

Other guest speakers were Barr. Mrs Ngozi Ihiekwe of the Ministry of Justice and the Special Guest from the International Human Rights Commission, Barr. Justice Uhuegbu.

Goodwill messages from Barr. Chinyere Iwunna, Secretary Imo State Branch FIDA, Barr. Kelechi Afam Okonkwo of the NYSC Corps Legal Aid CDS amongst others were also rendered.

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