By Anthony Ochela, Abuja
National Human Rights Commission, NHRC has urged the federal government to expedite action on the ratification of the Draft Policy on the Protection of Civilians and Civilian Harm Mitigation.
The commission noted that the policy aims to protect civilians from harm during security operations.
Executive Secretary of the commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu (SAN) made the call at the ongoing mid-term review meeting of the ‘Protection of Forcibly Displaced Persons through Human Rights Information Data Collection and Documentation in Nigeria’ held in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
The project, which is supported by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, UNHCR, seeks to monitor the human rights and protection situation of Forcibly Displaced Persons, FDPs, in Nigeria, including Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, refugees, asylum seekers and returnees.
Ojukwu noted that the project had recorded notable achievements, including managing 3,096 human rights cases and training 80 security personnel to protect the rights and dignity of FDPs.
The human rights boss, who was represented by the Project Coordinator and Head of Monitoring Department of the Commission, Dr Benedict Agu, highlighted the project’s notable achievements and the need for continued support.
The project is being implemented in 11 project states, with selected community protection action group members and human rights monitors working in 33 local government areas.
The executive secretary said he believes that ratifying the Draft Policy on the Protection of Civilians and Civilian Harm Mitigation would significantly enhance the protection of civilians in conflict situations.
According to him, the policy’s adoption will strengthen the fight against human rights violations, align with regional and international human rights and humanitarian instruments and provide a framework to prevent, minimise and address civilian harm.
Participants expressed delight with the opportunity to discuss their challenges and recommend solutions as far as the protection of these vulnerable people is concerned.
