Mr Chuka Okoye, the Director Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), has expressed grave concern over the state of Human Rights protection in Abia and Nigeria at large.
Okoye made this known to newsmen in Aba on Wednesday saying, that the country practical enforcement of the obligations remains grossly inadequate.
The Director said,”as a Civil Rights Actor, I must express grave concern over the state of human rights protection in Abia and Nigeria at large
“Nigeria is a signatory to key international human rights instruments, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
“The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (domesticated as Cap A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004),the practical enforcement of these obligations remains grossly inadequate.
“Domestically, the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) guarantees fundamental rights under Chapter IV, including the right to life (Section 33) and personal liberty (Section 35).
“It also guarantee freedom of expression (Section 39), and protection from inhuman or degrading treatment (Section 34),”he said.
The Director said that persistent reports of police brutality, arbitrary detentions, and suppression of lawful protests as witnessed during and after the EndSARS movement, demonstrate a systematic erosion of these rights.
Okoye said that Human Right Protection in Abia is compounded by weak institutional mechanisms, limited access to justice for the poor, and frequent violations of the rights of women and children.
“This is contrary to the Child’s Rights Act 2003 and Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 which has been domesticated already in the state but yet to be fully implemented.
“Despite the establishment of bodies such as the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), accountability remains elusive, and impunity thrives.
“It is therefore imperative that Nigeria and Abia recommit to their constitutional and international obligations by strengthening the rule of law, empowering oversight institutions, and safeguarding civic space,”Okoye said.
Okoye said only through genuine legal reform, institutional independence, and proactive enforcement can the ideals of justice, equity, and human dignity be truly realised.
