Executive Secretary of the National Hinan Rights Commission, NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu, has urged ECOWAS member states to prioritise unity, stability and respect for human rights in the region.
Ojukwu made the call at a three-day regional consultation of the Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa, NNHRI- WA, in Abuja, Tuesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the consultation is an annual assembly and regional consultation of the Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa, NNHRI.
The theme of the consultation is: “Justice for Africans and people of African decent through reparations: The role of National Human Rights Institutions.“
The event was organised by NHRC in collaboration with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, OHCHR, ECOWAS Commission, United Nations for West Africa and the Sahel.
Ojukwu also called for regional integration, strengthening governance and addressing the root causes of conflict and instability.
“We should not ignore the escalating violation of human rights across the sub-region.
“These violations are occasioned by undemocratic changes of government, shrinking civic spaces, conflicts, terrorism, forced displacement of populations and climate change.
“In the face of these challenges to, there can be no better time for solidarity among NHRIs than now.
“We must affirm our resolve to advance a unified, stable and human rights friendly West Africa.
“Our shared challenges are formidable, but they are not insurmountable when we stand together, ” Ojukwu said.
Ojukwu added that NHRI Nigeria pledged its support and solidarity to citizens and NHRIs of sister nations in West Africa.
“The promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights can only be realised if NHRIs are alive to their mandates,” he said.
Similarly, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs and Peace Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, said the event serves as a collective call for networking on reparatory justice.
“It is in pursuit of this vision that ECOWAS commission has been undertaking efforts to develop a regional framework on transitional justice, with a particular focus on the principle of reparatory justice.
“We believe that reparatory justice requires a multi-pronged and comprehensive approach, grounded in international human rights law,” he said.
He said ECOWAS would rely on expertise, inputs and guidance on how human rights principles and the role of national human rights institutions can be entrenched.
He added that the commission remains deeply committed to working with NHRIs to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights across the region.
“Over the next three days, our discussions will aim to produce actionable strategies that can be implemented across our member states.
“Concrete recommendations and innovative solutions are invited to strengthen our efforts in advancing the enjoyment of human rights by ordinary community citizens.
“I therefore urge all participants to engage fully in the discussions, as your insights and expertise are invaluable in shaping our collective strategies” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the federal government, the Chairperson, Governing Council of NHRC, Dr Salamatu Suleiman, said the theme of the consultation must be realised through collaboration.
“With collaboration and commitment from various stakeholders to work together towards a unified agenda for reparative justice, the objectives of this consultation can be easily achieved.
“Our voices must guide our actions, ensuring that reparations address the needs of Africans, restore dignity and foster reconciliation,” she said.
She said Nigeria remains resolute in its commitment to advance reparative justice.
Similarly, the Deputy Regional Representative, UN High Commissioner, Human Rights For West Africa, Mr Benjamin Hounton, said the consultation was a space for dialogue.
He said human rights serve as a unifying framework and a common ground to address complex and interrelated global challenges. NAN
