The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reiterated its resolute stand and commitment to address critical issues affecting the rights of women and girls and other human rights generally. The assertion was made in Bauchi on Saturday by the Coordinator of the NHRC, Bauchi Office, Yatchi Dala during the last day of 2023 16 Days of activism against Gender-based violence.
She explained that the programme is an international campaign that takes place every year, commencing on 25 November, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and ending on 10th December, which is International Human Rights Day.
According to her, this year’s programme has been very vocal in addressing issues on GBV as it affects women and girls, particularly in addressing issues around legislation, accountability, advocacies and also addressing harmful cultural practices which are a menace to the promotion and protection of the rights of women and girls.
Yatchi Dala said “The theme for the 2023 16 days of Activism,” INVEST TO PREVENT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS”, is apt as it focuses on the importance of financing different prevention strategies to end violence against women and girls.”
According to her, “It is strategic that the 16 days Activism is being rounded up on the International Human Rights day, which is observed every year on 10 December, the day on which the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
She added “The UDHR empowers us to stand up for our rights and the rights of others. This year’s theme which focuses on ‘Consolidating and sustaining human rights culture into the future(For Freedom, Equality and Justice for all), speaks to us to take stock, learn lessons, and craft a vision for the future together based on human rights.”
“As we mark the 75 anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we are urged to “remember that it is not just a historic document but a living testament to our shared humanity,” She added.
The Commission reiterated its unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights stating, “Together, let us invest in tools and resources necessary to break the cycle of violation of human rights and usher in the era of equality, respect and dignity for all.”
In her remarks, the Executive Director of Child is Gold, Barr Elizabeth George stressed that there is a need for unity of purpose in order to fight the menace of gender-based violence against women and girls in society.
She added that, if violence against women and girls is checked and reduced to the barest minimum, society will have peace and move on developmentally.
Elizabeth George assured that her NGO will continue to champion the rights of women and girls stressing also that gender violence is not only against women and girls but cutting across.
She then urged all CSOs and relevant agencies to come together in order to protect the rights of women and children generally against gender-based violence and other forms of violence.
Coalition of CSOs through Mbami Sabka reiterated its commitment to fighting for the rights of women and children in Bauchi state as well as protecting their fundamental human rights at all costs.
He then commended the CSOs and other stakeholders who contributed to the campaign for the release of detained Rhoda Jatau saying that the voice really counted as she has been released.
