National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Imo State has held a town hall meeting of stakeholders in Imo State.
Speaking at the parley, which was held at the Commission’s office at Chief Anthony Ojukwu Avenue off Avu Junction in Owerri West Local Government Area, the State Coordinator, Mrs. Justina Okeke said the aim of the meeting was to further enlighten the stakeholders on the mandate, mechanisms and operations of the Commission for more effective service delivery.
She expressed optimism to eradicate all forms of violations including harmful traditional norms by the year 2030.
She said 2030 holds the promise of a better society when citizens would enjoy sustainable peace, inclusive recovery and stability in the system.
In his paper presentation on the “Overview of the State of Human Rights in Imo State”, the Chief Legal Officer of the Commission, Barr Ikechukwu Ironali said “a 2024 report of the Amnesty International, documents human rights violations by security agents in Imo state to include 62 cases of arbitrary arrests, ill treatments and torture”.
He said the passage of the Imo State Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law 2021 and the passage of the Imo State Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2019, among others, were part of the ongoing initiatives and advocacy strategies by the Commission, stressing that the commission had also ensured regular capacity building trainings for law enforcement agents on the application of the VAPP law.
While recommending that government should urgently address the economic hardship in the state through people oriented policies, Barr Ironali maintained that human rights situation in the state can only improve when all relevant stakeholders join hands in unionism to address the ills of the society.
Also delivering a lecture on the “Mandate of NHRIs and NHRC Nigeria”, and “Practical Steps in NHRC Complaints and Investigation Mechanisms”, the Senior Legal Officer, NHRC, Barr Ihunanya Okoroji explained that “the commission provides a veritable platform for individuals and groups to lodge complaints regarding alleged violations of human rights and ensures a thorough investigation into the complaints”.
She exhaustively explained how to file a complaint, the treatment and investigation processes, legal and enforcement procedures, mediation and conciliation, inquiries, oral hearings and referrals.
She reaffirmed the Commission’s avowed determination to promote human rights and address systemic issues through collaboration with relevant stakeholders including civil society organizations, legal practitioners and international partners.
Contributing, Imo state Chairman of Police Community Relations Committee, Mr. Chima Chukwunyere said human rights violation in the state was very alarming, adding that perpetrators we’re mostly the Police and urged the commission to ensure that Imo citizens feel their impact in the state.
Director UNICEF and other NGOs, Ministry of Education, Mrs Adim Madumere recommended an increase in the education budget and an effective monitoring system to ensure judicious use of the funds.
Mr. Ihem Francis of National Orientation Agency suggested that complaint boxes be stationed in various schools for use by victims of human rights abuses.
The Executive Director, Niger Care Development Aid International, Dr. Mrs. Ijeoma Ejike said the stakeholders meeting was an eye opener and suggested that the commission should involve more stakeholders in their advocacy, particularly those in the rural areas.
Others present on the occasion including Mrs. Chika Uju of Uju Charity Empowerment Initiative, Mr. Emeka Ohuruogu of Honourbirth Foundation, Mr. Nwaka Emmanuel of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mr. Ifeanyi Aghi of Access to Good Health Initiative called for increased awareness on the mandate and activities of the Commission in the state.
The meeting featured group photograph and other side attractions.