Representative of the Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General in Rivers State, Lawyers Watch for Justice International Initiative(LAWJII), International Federation of Women Lawyers(FIDA) Rivers,other right groups and advocates on Wednesday,December 18th,2024 converge in PortHarcourt in commemoration of World human rights Day to discuss “The Importance Of Human Rights In Shaping Of Future”
In his welcome address ,Gbenga Oladapo Esq,Executive Director of LAWJII, stated that Nigeria’s human rights situation remains a pressing concern, with significant problems persisting despite efforts to address them. Unlawful and an arrests, extrajudicial killings, kidnappings, extortion, blackmail, cyberstalking, and bullying are endemic in the country.
He stated that the constriction of civic space and abuse of citizens’ rights by security forces are major concerns.
Mr Oladapo disclosed that the National Human Commission’s (NHRC) February 2024 Human Rights Situation report highlights the need for urgent attention to these issues.
“The human rights situation in Nigeria requires concerted effort and sustained attention to mitigate the heightening breach of human rights. In this regard, Lawyers Watch for Justice International Initiative commends the Government of Rivers State for its effort to eliminate violence in both private and public life through the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law No 2, 2020.
“The law addresses various categories of violence, including;
a. Rape and incest (sexual violence);
b. Female genital mutilation, spousal battery, and deprivation of spousal liberty (physical violence).
c. Forced financial dependence or economic dependence, damage to property (economic violence).
d. Violence by state actors, intimidation, and frustrating investigation (political violence)
e. Forced isolation or separation from family and friends, stalking, emotional, verbal,abuse (psychological violence)
f. Abandonment of spouse, children, and other dependants without sustenance (emotional violence)
” We call on all stakeholders to prioritize respect for human rights and dignity, recognizing that this is essential for achieving true development and civilization” Barrister Oladapo said.
In an interview with Journalists at the sideline of the event,the FIDA,Rivers Chairperson, Life George Tamunolbuemi, said “today in commemoration of International Human Rights Day,FIDA has come in partnership with the LAWJII to still emphasize,re-echo the need to respect human rights.
“Everybody that life run through is a human being.Once our right are respected,once you know that your rights begin where the other person own stops,you will be mindful of your actions.Our society will be a better place for all of us to live in.
“We will not stop talking about it.We will be saying it until it gets into the heart of every living human being that nobody is a sub-human.FIDA was part of those that advocated for the VAPP law to be passed in Rivers state.In Rivers State it has helped us to deal with gender based crime very easily. VAPP has helped to curb crime in Rivers and Nigeria at large”
In her remarks,Evelyn Membre,Director in office of Public Defender,Rivers State who represented the Permanent Secretary,Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General of Rivers State in an interview with Journalists said “VAPP law is there to protect every persons as long as you are a human being,against all forms of violence.
“When we talk of violence,we are talking about economic abuse,deprivation of your rights, that you are psychologically traumatized is also violence .The law has expanded so many aspect of violence.VAPP is there for your protection.
“Like I mentioned during the meeting,we have set up office of public defender. Is there to ensure the implementation of VAPP..We have the Directorate of Public Prosecution that is the DPP is also there.Structures are being put in place to ensure that we have full implementation on the aspect that concern us and also there is Rivers state multi stakeholders action committee being funded by action aid that is also pushing for the implementation of the VAPP law.
“In that committee we have reps from Ministry of Social Welfare,Ministry of Women Affairs,Ministry of Health,Ministry of Justice,religious leaders,traditional rulers council members.
“It is a committee that will help to ensure the VAPP law is fully implemented.VAPP law was enacted in 2018,further amendment has been made to ensure that all the lacuna and mistakes in the earlier one have been addressed.We have 2020 edition” .
Dr Yemisi Taiwo Esq,Legal Practitioner and lecturer at Elizade University,Ondo State in an interview with Journalists said victims should seek justice and never give up.
“If your right is violated and you refuse to take action,it will occur again and again.
“Empirical data have shown that victims of rape and sexual molestation have been victims over and over.
“The beauty of what we just discussed today is that there is help for them even the indigent ones.You have Legal Aid Council,National Human Rights Commission,FIDA,LAWJII and other Non Governmental Organizations that helps to protect people’s rights.
“I advice communities and citizens not to cover right violation,if you keep convering evil,it will expand and keep growing”.
Our correspondent reports that the first panel discussion was on “The Importance of Human Rights In Shaping Our Future” while the second panel discussion was on “The Gains Of the Rivers State Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law N0.4,2024.
In her closing remarks,Dr.Ophelia Umunna alternate Executive Director noted that human rights abuse will not stop until we get it right.
World Human Rights Day is celebrated every December 10 each year.The theme of International Human Rights Day for year 2024 is “Our Rights,Our Future,Right Now”