A human rights advocate, Prince Wiro has cautioned against stomach activism, blackmail by acclaimed human rights advocates even as he called for equality in human rights advocacy by individuals and group.
Prince Wiro who is also the National Coordinator of Centre for Basic Rights Protection And Accountability campaign in a statement in commemoration of the United Nations International Human Rights Day 2023 with the theme :”Freedom, Equality and Justice For All” said there cannot be equality in human rights in Nigeria if activists gives preference to advocacy against infringement on rights of the rich, Politicians, known figures over infringement on rights of the poor, down trodden, voiceless in the society because of material/cash benefits which he described as ‘stomach activism’.
He said some activists only put on their garment of activism when the rights abuse is against the rich, politician, known figures in society because of monetary gain but shy away when it involves the down trodden in the society.
The Rights Advocate stated that for there to be justice for all, the State apparatus, judicial system, constitution must ensure equality when dealing with individuals irrespective of their social status in the society.
He also cautioned against blackmail by rights advocates/organizations that use it as a tool to extort money from oppressors and rights abusers while adding that such practice is a sharp deviation from principles from human rights advocacy and encourages oppressors to perpetrate rights abuses.
Our correspondents reports that the significance of human rights day celebration 10th December every year, is to reflect on the progress made in promoting human rights and to highlight the challenges that persist.