The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC will tomorrow commence a 16-Day programme of activities lined up in its fight against abuses and violation of the rights of women and children across Nigeria.

The programme is tailored to tally with the 2023 Human Rights Day.

This was disclosed today in Abuja by the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN during a press conference after the flagging-off the programme at the Abuja headquarters of the Commission.

Ojukwu said the16 days of activism would revolve around Gender based violence, reaffirming that the Commission stands resolute in its commitment to address critical issues affecting the rights of women and girls.

He said that the day serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing need to confront and alleviate the multifaceted challenges faced by our women and girls and by extension our society.

The 16-days of activism against Gender based violence, he said, is an international campaign that takes place every year, commencing from 25 November, which is the international day for the Elimination of violence against women and ends on 10th December, which is the international human rights day.

According to Ojukwu, the theme for the 2023 16 days of Activism is, “Invest to prevent violence against women and girls,” saying that focuses on the importance of financing different prevention strategies to end violence against women and girls.

“It is an unequivocal truth that a society that invests in the wellbeing, progress and independence of women reaps immeasurable benefits. Our efforts towards fostering an environment that champions and priorities the Rights of women to Reproductive health, education and economic empowerment will lay a foundation for a more equitable and violence free society which empowers women to make informed decisions and choices that benefits them and promote their well-being and rights.

“This year’s theme urges us to reflect deeply on the various prevention strategies needed to halt violence at its roots.it prompts us to channel our efforts into initiatives that safeguard the rights and dignity of every woman and girl.

“To celebrate this year’s 16th day of activism, the Commission has earmarked series of programmes of activities on Human rights issues particularly Rights of women and girls and advocacy visits to key stakeholders in collaboration with partners such as the Office of the First Ladies ,NBA,, FIDA and CSOs across the 36 states of Nigeria and FCT.

The Commission in fulfilling its Human rights mandate especially Rights of Women and girls have:

• A dedicated Department, which handles only issues of Rights of women and children.
• The Commission has dedicated toll free lines and call centre for reporting of GBV complaints.
• The Commission in 2021 established SGBV panels in the geographical region of the country.
• Currently the Commission has an ongoing Special investigative Panel for Allegations of mass abortion and SGBV in the North East counter insurgency operations.
• Recently the Commission organised a National dialogue to create awareness on the Maputo protocol.
• As we celebrate this year’s 16days of activism the Commission calls for.
• The Ratification of the Maputo protocol ( which has very laudable provisions for protection of the rights of women)
• Concerted efforts by the security agencies especially the Nigerian Armed forces to rescue women and girls who are in captivity of insurgents and bandits.
• Enactment of the Gender Equality bills by the National Assembly.
• Enactment of the VAPP by all state Houses of Assembly.

“On its part the Commission reiterates its unwavering commitment to accelerate the reconvening of the special Panel on SGBV,” the NHRC boss stated adding that, “Together, let us invest in tools and resources necessary to break the cycle of violence against women and girls and usher in the era of equality, respect and dignity for all.”