Relief International Africa on Thursday 29th, February 2024 launched Human Rights Clinic in Portharcourt to promote access to justice for victims and survivors of rights violation.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Green Isaac, Executive Director of Relief International Africa said “the essence of the clinic is to raise awareness about human rights abuses perpetrated by security agencies in Rivers state and beyond.
To provide support and legal aid to victims of human rights abuses especially those perpetrated by security agencies .
To document cases of human rights abuses to ensure accountability and promote legal action against perpetrators. To promote access to justice and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms for domestic violence victims in Rivers state.
To establish warning signal system to identify and prevent future human rights abuses”.
Amb. Isaac disclosed that the clinic will be opened to members of the public who has rights violation complaints twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays to seek redress for violation of their rights.
Dr. Prince Ekpere, Senior Programme Manager of Social in his speech lauded the initiative by Relief International Africa and promised to provide and give instant support.
Arochukwu Ogbonna Esq National Coordinator of Civil Rights Council in his keynote lecture said
Right is defined as right when it is written in the constitution.
“If i say my right is violated I must locate that right within the confines of the constitution. Law is not exclusively moral. In trying to enforce right you can only enforce it within the constitution” he said.
Ogbonna disclosed that the platform is for members of the public to seek redress for violation of their right and give opportunity to people to express themselves. The National Coordinator of Civil Rights Council noted that the initiative will also reduce conflicts in the society.
Representatives of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC),Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC), Nigeria Army(NA)Nigeria Orientation Agency(NOA)National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA) State Security Service(SSS) National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) and Civil Societies promised to support the initiative to ensure protection of human rights
Highpoint of the event was the unveiling of the human rights clinic by representatives of security agencies and Civil Society Organizations.
Our Correspondents reports that the human rights clinic will be opened Tuesdays and Thursdays at Relief House 41 Railway Close Behind Nitel, D-Line, Portharcourt.