Nigerians have been urged to carry the spirit of the International Human Rights Day celebration forward beyond the week-long activities commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) celebrated on 9th December.
The call was contained in a statement by the Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr Tony Ojukwu, at the commemoration of the 2023 International Human Rights Day and 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights delivered on Saturday, 9th December 2023 in Bauchi.
The NHRC CEO also urged Nigerians to continue to advocate, educate, and act in ways that uphold the dignity, freedom, and justice of all in Nigeria.
Represented at the walk /rally held in the Yelwa area of Bauchi metropolis, by the State Coordinator of NHRC, Yahcit Dala, Tony Ojukwu said, “Although we are diverse in our backgrounds and experiences, we are united by a common purpose.”
According to him, “Our common purpose is to build a Nigeria where every individual, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, religion, or socio-economic status, can enjoy their fundamental human rights.”
He explained “This international human rights celebration is a call to action. It reminds us that the journey towards human rights requires not only grand gestures but also the sum of our daily actions.”
Tony Ojukwu added, “It is in our communities, our workplaces, and our individual interactions that we can build a culture of respect, tolerance, and justice.”
The NHRC Executive Secretary declared, “Together, we can build a future where human rights are not just words on paper, but the bedrock of our society.”
He then thanked the participants comprising UNICEF, CSOs, Media and other stakeholders for being an essential part of the transformative International Human Rights Day week-long celebration.
He charged them saying, “Let us continue to work together, advocate together, and, most importantly, stand together for human rights.”
He also said that the week, dedicated to the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, has been a journey of reflection, dialogue, and advocacy.
These programmes included a Press Briefing which set the tone for the week ahead, Governing Council Meeting, the National Town Hall on the Future of Litigating Human Rights, the Unveiling of the UDHR 75 Commemorative Board, visits to Police detention and Correctional facilities for Advocacy, spearheaded by the Commission in the FCT and selected states, which sought to assess detention conditions and advocate for UDHR principles.
There was also the Human Rights Quiz Competition, a High-Level Forum on Business and Human Rights, the Civil Society Forum, the Legislative Forum and the Civil-Military Forum.
The activities were all integral components of the collective commitment to fostering a society where human rights are protected and celebrated.
Similarly, the Human Rights Film Festival, spanning three days, emerged as a powerful tool for advocacy and education.
According to him, “All the programmes have enriched our understanding of human rights issues as the basis of promoting and protecting the dignity of everyone.”
Tony Ojukwu said that the week-long activities will keep people in continuous remembrance of the individual and collective roles in upholding the values of dignity, freedom, and justice.
