The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) on Monday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the protection of people living with HIV/AIDS in the country.
Signing the MoU, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, SAN emphasized the need to protect the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS.
The signing of the MoU was done to mark the inaugural Access to Justice Coordination Forum as part of the NHRC’s implementation of the Global Funds Grant Circle 7 (GT7).
Ojukwu also called for a multi-sectoral approach to the protection of marginalised groups and assured of the Commission’s readiness to collaborate with stakeholders in ensuring access to justice and protection of human rights.
“I want to express my gratitude to NACA and the Global Funds for the support the NHRC is receiving in the Grant Cycle 7 to promote and protect the rights of persons living with HIV/AIDS and key populations in Nigeria.
“The idea of an Access to Justice Forum has been well thought out to bring relevant stakeholders in the human rights and justice sectors together to streamline actions.
“NHRC remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of all persons, particularly those most vulnerable in our society,” he said.
Access to justice according to Ojukwu, is a fundamental pillar of human rights and the rule of law.
The forum, he said, was a crucial step in strengthening our collective efforts to bridge the justice gap for people living with HIV/AIDS, key populations.
Inspite of significant progress in addressing HIV-related discrimination, he said, many affected individuals still encounter violations of their rights in healthcare, employment, and social settings.
“Stigma continues to fuel fear, misinformation, and exclusion, making it imperative for us to reinforce legal protections and ensure that justice mechanisms are accessible, responsive, and effective” he said.
The enactment of the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act of 2014 has equally brought to the fore challenges of discrimination, indiscriminate arrest, torture and inhuman and degrading treatment on key populations in Nigeria.
“We shall also be setting up institutional measures to provide access to justice and working with other partners to support class and individual legal actions in line with sections 5 and 6 of the NHRC (Amendment) Act of 2010″ Ojukwu said.
Speaking, the director-general of NACA Dr Temitope Ilori, noted that the forum marks significant collective efforts to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of background, has access to justice, particularly in healthcare and social support.
She said the collaborative initiative between NHRC and NACA exemplifies the power of institutional partnership in advancing human rights and healthcare justice.
She said the access to justice forum represents a crucial step in eliminating stigma, discrimination, and barriers to justice.
“Through this platform, we anticipate enhanced access to legal remedies, improved protection of patient rights, and stronger advocacy for equitable healthcare policies.” NACA will continue to lead the national response to HIV/AIDS, and this partnership with NHRC will further empower the agency to address both the health and human rights dimensions of the epidemic.
“We must note that the success of this forum will depend on one that is present here- our ability to work across sectors, leveraging our diverse expertise to create effective strategies that promote equitable access to justice for all Nigerians,” she said.
Speaking, UNAIDS Country Director -Dr Leopold Zekeng represented by Oluwafisayo Fakayode said, the right to access to justice is indeed multidimensional.
“It encompasses justiciability, availability, accessibility, good quality, the provision of remedies for victims/survivors and the accountability of justice systems.
“This forum is a testament to all our unwavering commitment to dismantle the barriers that prevent individuals from accessing the justice they deserve.
“At UNAIDS, we believe that justice is not just a concept, but a fundamental human right that must be accessible to all, regardless of their health status, identity, or circumstances,” he said.
NAN
