By Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has affirmed its commitment to advancing the rights of women across Nigeria based on the principles enshrined in the Maputo Protocol.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu stated this in a statement to mark the 20th anniversary of Maputo Protocol.
The statement was signed by Agharese Arese, the Director of Corporate Affairs, and External Linkages.
“We recognize that gender equality and the empowerment of women are essential for achieving sustainable development, social justice, and the overall promotion and protection of human rights.
“We extend our appreciation to all partners and stakeholders who have supported our efforts in promoting women’s rights in Nigeria. We call on them not to relent in their efforts in working with us to see to the realization of the full implementation of the Maputo Protocol.
“As we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Maputo Protocol, the NHRC renews its commitment to upholding the dignity and rights of women and girls. We will strive to create an inclusive society where women can fully participate, contribute, and thrive without fear of discrimination or violence.
“We will collaborate with government institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners to strengthen legal frameworks, enhance access to justice, provide support services for survivors of gender-based violence, and raise awareness about the rights of women and girls.
“We call upon all stakeholders, including the government, development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to join hands with us to intensify our commitment to eliminate these obstacles as we particularly urge the Legislature to domesticate the Protocol to ensure its effective implementation,” Ojukuwu said.
Ojukwu in the statement said that several challenges persist in achieving women’s civil, political, social, economic, and cultural rights on the continent of Africa.
He noted that the protocol has served as a guiding framework to promote equality and eliminate discrimination, violence, and harmful practices against women and girls for over two decades.
“The Protocol offers protection from discrimination, gender-based violence, harmful practices, armed conflicts, disabilities, and distress amongst others.
“The Protocol further offers African women guarantees of the right to dignity, integrity, and security of person, equality in marriage and before the law, political participation, social welfare and economic empowerment, inheritance, sustainable development, and health and reproductive rights,”
