NHRC receives 341 complaints on human rights violation in Anambra

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) says it has received about 341 complaints on human rights violations in Anambra in 2021.

The State Coordinator of the Commission, Mrs Nkechi Ugwuanyi, made this known on Friday at the commemoration of the 2021 International Human Rights Day, marked every Dec. 10 in Awka.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Human Rights Day is observed to honour the Day in 1948, when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights documents.

It proclaims the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being.

The 2021 theme is: “Equality – Reducing Inequalities, Advancing Human Rights.”

Ugwuanyi said the complaints cut across all forms of human rights violations, adding that 80 per cent of the complaints were sexual and gender-based violence.

She identified child abuse, disinheritance, widowhood practice, battery, unlawful arrests by the police and prolonged detention by the police, among other complaints received.

“The Commission has continued to grapple with these cases on daily basis, as we receive about three complaints everyday.

“We recorded 341 cases of human rights violations from January to date.

“We will continue to respond to issues of human rights violation, because respect for human rights is the foundations of any democracy that would lead to a healthier society,” Ugwuanyi said.

She called on residents to report cases of abuse to the appropriate authorities for prompt action, saying the commission’s services are free.

Ugwuanyi also called for the training of police officers on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law for proper prosecution of human rights cases.

Also, Mr Francis Ekwemeze of the Child Protection Network, urged the state government to establish special courts to handle cases of sexual and gender-based violence to facilitate speedy justice for victims in the state.

In her remarks, Mrs Rachel Yohanna, urged civil society organisations to collaborate and demonstrate passion in the fighting violence against women and children as well as follow-up cases to a logical conclusion.

Also, Mrs Chioma Okoye of Legal Aid Initiative, called for intensified sensitisation on gender-based violence and the enforcement of Violence Against Persons Prohibition law. (NAN)