By Leonard Okachie
Umuahia, Dec. 10, 2024(NAN) The National Human Rights Commission (NRHC) has urged Abia residents to report all cases of human rights violations to it for necessary action.
Mrs Uche Nwokocha, the Abia Coordinator of the commission, made the call at an awareness campaign it organised to mark the International Human Rights Day on Tuesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the United Nations (UN) had declared Dec.10 annually as International Human Rights Day after the Second World War in 1948.
The theme for the 2024 International Human Rights Day is “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.”
The commission, which visited parks and markets, was joined in the awareness by it partners, including the Nigerian Bar Association, the International Federation of Women Lawyers, civil society organisations and others.
Nwokocha said that the day, being celebrated with a road walk and rally in Umuahia, marked the end of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence which started on Nov. 25.
The coordinator observed that most people whose rights were being violated were often reluctant to report such violations to the appropriate authorities.
Nwokocha, a lawyer, asked the people to always visit the commission’s office in Umuahia or reach it through its other channels of communication, to seek justice, for any rights violation.
Nwokocha said: “Of all species on earth, it is only human beings that have human rights, unfortunately, it is only human beings that abuse or violate human rights.
“Please, don’t abuse people’s rights because where one’s rights stops, another person’s rights begins.
“In this season of Christmas, we have to talk about peace, maintain peace in our communities.
“Today, we are reminding your God-given rights and reminding you that on this date in 1948, the UN adopted the declaration of human rights.”
Speaking to newsmen on the sideline about the challenges face by the commission, Nwokocha alleged that the state actors violate people’s rights at will.
According to her, the state actors actually believe that it is their rights and duty to violate human rights and that is a very serious problem.(NAN)
